Roy A. st. Clair, age 9, of Portland, Maine, for his question:

Which Indians made totem poles?

Totem poles were    invented by the  Indians who lived along the Pacific Coast in America and Canada. They were the tribes of Alaska and British Columbia, Washington and parts of Oregon. Most of them belonged to the Koluschan tribes. some spoke the Haida and some spoke the Wakashan language.

The Indians of northwestern North America made a good living from the sea and from the woodlands along the shores. some families become rich and loved to show off their riches. These proud people carved faces and animals on tall posts and painted them bright colors. The carvings on these totem poles were to remind their friends of important members of the family and their brave deeds.