Totem Poles are an integral part of Indian culture in the Northwest. Their bold colors and designs are based on art of the Haida and Tingit tribes.

Laurie Holman is an art teacher in Alaska. Her inspiration was to cover a pony with totems. The themes included on this pony are: the Raven, Grizzly, Bear, Salmon, Eagle and Whale. Like a puzzle, she fit the totems together which tell the great story of life, death and rebirth.

Spirits of the Northwest was introduced Summer 2006 by Trail of Painted Ponies. It was retired January 2010. The last Spirits of the Northwest figurine made was #3E/452. That means 30,452 of this ponyu were manufactured.