The conference logo for the 2009 meeting was created by Ashley Wolff, a renowned illustrator and artist.  More information on Ashley Wolff can be found on her website.

Totem poles are an ancient tradition of the Indians of the Pacific Northwest coast. The totem figures and symbols have been represented for thousands of years and were originally carved on combs, boxes, masks and walking sticks. After contact with Europeans in the 1700s, and the subsequent acquisition of metal tools, large poles carved from mature cedar trees began to appear. Totem figures are not gods and totem poles were not worshipped. Instead they represented, through the placement of the animals and symbols on the totem pole a coat of arms or seal for the family or clan. This represented a symbolic history for members of the clan – who could be related by blood, kinship, or shared experience. A totem was carved and placed at the front entrance of the family longhouse to honor its ancestors and the clan's standing.

The animals chosen for the Semiahmoo totem we feel represent the spirit of the meeting and a symbolic history of our WDA clan

The main totem animal is the Raven who represents Creation and knowledge – the “bringer of the light”. Within his left wing dwells Killer Whale who represents the Traveler and guardian – the “bringer of good” and in his right wing lays Bear who brings Strength, learned humility, motherhood, and teaching.