Introduction
The Lodge Totem Recognition Program is designed to function as both an immediate recognition for participation in lodge events and/or activities and to recognize our members for their contributions. achievements, and leadership on behalf of our lodge and its purpose. It also serves as a tangible record of each member’s participation and accomplishments that can be displayed while worn as a necklace during lodge events.
The Egwa Totem
This program begins with receiving the elements that make up the Egwa Totem. The Egwa Totem begins with an Ordeal Claw and an Induction Bead on a leather cord given to new Ordeal members when they attend their induction event.
Egwa Totem Guidelines
The above listed items together form the Egwa Totem which may be assembled in whatever arrangement suits each lodge member. This assembly may be decorated in whatever manner each member desires with the following restrictions:
- Items used in the Lodge Totem Recognition Program or similar looking items may not be used to decorate the Egwa Totem
- The decorated Egwa Totem cannot be offensive or insulting to any and all.
- The Lodge Key 3 reserves the right to deem any decorated Egwa Totem unacceptable to wear
The assembled Egwa Totem should hang from the leather cord and only items received as a part of the recognition program should be added to it. Lodge members should not “mix and match” with beads/items from other sources. The Ordeal Claw should be painted with each member’s own chapter’s unique color design. Members should refer to the chart on this board and chapter members on how to complete this at a Lodge event. The Brotherhood Claw should remain unadorned by all members except for Vigil Honor members who may paint their Brotherhood Claw with a red and/or white design of their own choosing.
Ordeal Claw: First Claw is received with initial necklace
![]() |
White | Inducted as a youth |
![]() |
Black | Inducted as an adult |
![]() |
Blue | Completed Induction by becoming a Brotherhood members |
![]() |
Red | Recipient of the Vigil Honor |
Brotherhood Claw: Second claw is received after Brotherhood Trail
Assembly Examples
P & P Beads
Beads are earned by attending Lodge Events and participating and/or performing in activities during the event. A bead color is assigned to specific action that can be completed to earn the bead. An Egwa Totem Ticket specific to that event is available at each lodge event that lists the available P&P Beads and the required activity to earn that Bead Totem Tickets must be submitted prior to the close of that event
Note: Colors above can look slightly different depending on the screen calibration of the device they are being viewed on.
Swap Beads
Swap Beads allow members to exchange earned P&P Beads for glass beads and/or bone hornpipe. Generally, a specific number of color or a defined set of specific colors can be exchanged for a specific glass bead or hornpipe. Swap Beads are voluntary, and members can choose to keep their P&P beads.
Recurring Honor Beads
Egwa Totem Chapter Colors
Below are the 12 designated chapter designs for Lodge members Ordeal Claw. Members may complete this at home or while at a Lodge event. Members should only pain the claw to represent the chapter in which they are a part of.