STRENGTH, PATIENCE & TEACHER
The Bear symbolizes family and strength through motherhood and teachings. Mother Bears are fierce defenders of their children and are great protectors. Bear is a well-respected member of the community and sometime referred to as the protector of the forests. We look to the Bear to show us how to fish and pick berries in our territory.
In Pacific Northwest Coast First Nations art, Black Bears are depicted with a short snout, short ears, small tail, and sometimes a hanging tongue. Grizzly Bears have bigger teeth, particularly the canine teeth, and larger claws.
Images by Brandon and ABJ
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Animal designs featured on shop.slcc.ca are by various indigenous artists from nations across Turtle Island; these artists have an agreement with Native Nortwest Company to share these designs on their behalf. As an authorized distributor of Native Northwest products, they have extended Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre permission to share these images.
