The Eagle

The Eagle is the ruler of the sky and has the ability to transform itself and is also has a connection with our creator.  It 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.
 
The Eagle is a sacred, wise and noble creature representing power and prestige to the First Nations People of the Northwest Coast.  The Eagle is one of the most utilized birds embodied in their art and mythology and can be a symbol of chieftainship as many families own or inherit the right to use the Eagle crest. 
 

In Aboriginal Northwest Coast culture, the Eagle has long been a source of artistic inspiration for traditional and contemporary Native art.
 
Eagles mate for life and is accepted as a sign of lasting spousal dedication. Few eagles that have lost their mate have been known to end their own life in despair.
 
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 were also given as symbolic gift to impart respect for accomplishment and display of courage and wisdom.
 
The Eagle and can be identified by a powerful beak whose upper half ends in a strong downward curve with piercing eyes, feathers and large talons. The Eagle is frequently depicted on totem poles, masks, prints and jewelry.