Native Symbols

Bear:

The Bear is known for it's great strength and hunting abilities.  It is a symbol of great strength, power, authority and honour.  It can be identified by its short snout, canine teeth and claws.

Eagle:

The Eagle is the king of the birds.  He is revered for his beauty and majestic or regal nature. He is respected the most of all birds and represents wisdom, power, peace, spirituality and friendship.  The Eagle is recognized by it's hooked beak.

Frog:

The frog is a symbol of innocence, communication and stability.  It is known as a speaker or communicator, cleanser of spirit, bringer of wealth, and family stability.

Hummingbird:

The Hummingbird is known for its fortitude and ability to overcome great obstacles.  It is a gentle creature and joyful spiritual messenger.  The coming of a hummingbird symbolizes peace, healing and joy.  

Killer Whale:

The Killer Whale is the Traveller and Lord or Guardian of the Ocean.  The most respected of all the sea creatures. Legends say that great chiefs of the past have been transformed into these powerful creatures.  The Killer Whale symbolizes long life and wealth.

Loon:

Symbolizes imagination, independence, harmony

Moon:

The Moon spirit is said to watch over us and has the ability to affect our moods.  The moon lightens the darkness of the night. The moon is a protector and guardian. 

Raven:

The Raven, also known as the trickster because of his wit and sense of humour.  He is quick and curious and legend has it that he brought light to the earth.  The Raven represents creativity, prestige, knowledge and can be identified by its long straight beak.

Salmon:

The salmon symbolizes prosperity, provider and dependability as well as source of life.  Salmon have always been a significant part of westcoast native life and were caught in great numbers each year.  The salmon runs were a staple in the diet of the Kwakuitl 

Sun:

Legend says that the sun was released from a box by the Raven. The sun chief inhabited the sky and could be reached by climbing a chain of arrows.  He descended by sliding down its long rays.  The Sun symbolizes healing energy, abundant life, beauty and peace

Swan:

Symbolizes fidelity, love, faithfulness

Thunderbird:

The Thunderbird is the most powerful of all mythical animals. The legend is that his wings made thunder and his eyes shot lightening.  It is distinguishable by it's ears.  The Thunderbird symbolizes personal power and a link to the spirit world.

Copper:

The Copper is a symbol of wealth, prestige and heritage. Had great importance in ceremonial life for weddings and naming ceremonies.  The copper was given between tribal nobility from one family to another symbolizing a joining of the families.

Wolf:

The wolf is known for its spiritual powers.  It is a symbol of family, unity or togetherness, loyalty and spirituality.  The wolf looks similar to the bear but it's snout is longer and more pointed.