The Pacific Northwest has a rich heritage of Indian culture. Modern settlers have, to varying degrees, embraced this history and in many ways incorporated it into their own cultures. On example of the way the local tribes are honored is through the inclusion of a story pole on the grounds of the Washington State Capitol. Often confused with a totem pole, which is roughly analogous to a family crest, a story pole is used to teach children through parables. The pole was started by Chief William Shelton of the Snohomish tribe. He was asked to make it by then-governor Roland Hartley. Shelton spent the last five years of his life working on the cedar pole, but died before it was finished. It had to be completed by other members of the tribe. The pole has been refurbished several times over the years, but the elements have taken their toll. It has been determined that the pole will have to be replaced by 2007, as the wood is rotting from the inside out.

• Elements of the story pole from top to bottom (south face):
  • Eagle
  • Skhway-yook (a female ogre)
  • Chief on the back of a whale
  • Wolf
  • Skhway-yook
  • Ant
  • Bear
  • Creator
  • Raven and South Wind
  • Seal
  • Rabbit
  • Elk
• Elements of the story pole from top to bottom (north face):
  • Eagle
  • Bow and arrows
  • Pheasant
  • Blue jay
  • Young chief
  • Lizard
  • Deer
  • Porpoise
  • Chief snake
  • Skhway-yook