Yeah unfortunately you are required to do all the starter totem quests to get the relic. You can get the quest from any of the shaman trainers.

For some reason the only trainer that didn't give me the quest was the one on the 2nd level in the exodar. However I just hopped down and was able to get the quest from the other trainers.

Not great news, but I am just glad I don't have to see the totems anymore everytime I head to the bank. Plus the extra couple slots come in handy again.