The Bear has a great self awareness and is also able to deliberate about choices or actions. We look to the Bear to show us how to fish the salmon and collect the berries. The Bear symbolizes family and strength.
The Bear in Northwest West Coastal Native Culture represents strength and learned humility through motherhood and teaching and is an important family crest associated with family and children. Sometime referred to as the protector of the animal kingdom and forests, the Bear is a well respected member of the community and can sometimes be referred to as an elder or a person that has passed on to a new life.
The Beaver has a great understanding of nature and working in harmony with his surroundings. He is very flexible working towards goals and gaining a sense of achievement. The beaver symbolizes good work ethics, a strong will and protector, with a strong sense of family.
Beaver is known as the carpenter of the animal kingdom, and is consider the industrious one. The Beaver is said to have been a woman at one time Tsimshian legends tells of this woman who dammed a stream to swim in it. Because she refused to get out, she was transformed and her leather apron became a Beaver’s tail.
The Butterfly has the ability to accept change, is also a messenger to our people. The butterfly symbolizes metamorphosis, balance and grace. The butterfly is a multicultural symbol of the beauty of nature, appearing in numerous examples of nature scenes of many artistic styles. Butterflies are included as elements of these scenes because they most effectively represent all positive characteristics of nature.
To Northwest Coast Aboriginal peoples, Dragonfly is a symbol of change, transformation and swiftness.
First Nations people of the Northwest coast observe the Dragonfly to be a creature of the wind and also of the water. He represents a symbol of change in the view of self understanding and the kind of change that has its source in mental and emotional maturity and the insight of the deeper meaning of life. The Dragonfly’s swift flight and its ability to move in all six directions radiate a sense of power and poise something that comes only with age and experience.
Loon symbolizes peace, tranquility, communication, serenity, & generosity.
With a generous and giving nature, Loon features significantly in the art and mythology of Canadian First Nations Peoples. Loon is famous for its unique and often haunting voice, and is respected for its knowledge of various realms. Animals with unique vocal talents are held in high regard by Northwest Coast peoples, who traditionally perceive words, voice and song as carriers of power and magic. Loon is associated with copper and wealth.
The Eagle is the ruler of the sky and has the ability to transform himself as he has a connection with our creator. Eagle symbolizes grace, power, and has great intellectual abilities. The gift the Eagle shares is the ability of foresight, and an indication of good times to come.
Eagle “Down” is revered as sacred and is sprinkled on the ground in ceremonies to welcome an important person in formality. Eagle feathers are used while smudging along with praying. The feathers are also given as symbolic gift to impart respect for accomplishment and display of courage and wisdom.
