Native American Designs of the Pacific Northwest No one knows how long Native American artists have been carving mythical creatures from giant cedar trees across the Pacific Northwest and Canada. Native American totem poles have long sparked curiosity and ingenuity, with their intricate colors and unique designs that tell a cryptic story. These 25 authentic totem pole designs originating from the American Pacific Northwest and Canada will let your imagination run wild as you bring these bewitching behemoths to life with crayons, pens, or colored pencils.