year 7 totems
What is a totem?
A totem is a symbol taken from nature, such as a plant or animal, that is inherited by members of a culture, community or family as their spiritual emblem. Totems define peoples' roles and responsibilities, and their relationships with each other and to creation itself.
A totem is a symbol taken from nature, such as a plant or animal, that is inherited by members of a culture, community or family as their spiritual emblem. Totems define peoples' roles and responsibilities, and their relationships with each other and to creation itself.
Source: Twinkl
Totems in Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Culture
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In Australian Aboriginal spirituality, totems are more than just a symbol. Totems are believed to be the descendants of the heroes from The Dreaming stories and represent the sense of ownership and responsibility these communities feel over the land, by connecting personal identity with the natural world.
Source: Twinkl
Watch this video to see how Aborginal People in Australia use their totems as part of their identity.
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In indigenous culture, everyone is given an individual totem. It is a spiritual belief that every person has a special relationship with a plant, animal species, condition or situation. In this tradition, an Aboriginal receives their individual totem from their Mother or Father. It is a personal relationship with the totem, it cannot be shared or inherited. The totems are a way to connect with the land.
Here are some examples of Australian totem animals
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Source: Deadly Story
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Totem Poles
On the west coast of Canada, First Nations people use Totem Poles as part of their identity. Watch this video to find out:
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In the Western World
In the western world, we use symbols too to create our identity. These can be in the form of badges, logos or even uniforms. These show which community we belong to.
Can you identify which group/s these people belong to?
What colours, symbols and icons do they use to show this identity?
Can you identify which group/s these people belong to?
What colours, symbols and icons do they use to show this identity?
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For more information about this image visit Block Branding
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For more information about this image visit Tribal Tattoos
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Meanings of colours and symbols
Different colours and symbols have different meanings. Use the following resources to help you select the right images for your own totem pole.
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Colours
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Symbols
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The Big Questions
What story would a totem pole tell about you?
What symbols would you include to tell your story?
What colours would be used to represent you and your story?
What symbols would you include to tell your story?
What colours would be used to represent you and your story?
