This is so unique and adorable. I bet this idea for making totem poles could be made out of all sorts of things. The first things that come to mind are TP tubes or recycled doll or stuffed animal heads maybe? Pop on over to the blog by Karen McCallum to see more photos of this super cute and creative totem pole art project.
Looking for more Totem pole resources? Check out these Totem pole books 
As a First Nations person, I appreciate the fact that you have included books on totem poles. Totem poles do tell a story and they are considered sacred. Having participants research before working on a project like this would be important. It would be encouraged that an elder be contacted to come in and share the importance of totem poles.