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Show I I Movement to Preserve Totem Poles of Indians One result of the opening up of the further readies of Canada is that the old primitive life of the Indians Is fast disappearing, and with It their customs, traditions, and folklore. An effort Is now being made to preserve the family trees, commonly known as totem poles, of the various tribes. These ancient heirlooms carry the tribal histories of more than 100,000 Indians. It was the custom among the red Indians for each tribe to choose an animal to represent them, and thus was horn the science of totemism. The carved poles show every sort at animal from lizards to lions, and It is through these that the various families and tribes can be recognized, as well as the periods when they flourished. Hundreds of totem poles are being collected, some from as far out as the lonely Beaver island, in Hardy-bay, Hardy-bay, an old trading post of the Hudson's Hud-son's Bay company. One of the most famous stands in Jasper National park. It is Go feet long, and th. work of carving it occupied three years. London Tit-Bits. |