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SALMON (TSIMSHIAN WORD-LGHOON ) Giver of a healthy life, driven to swim against the tide of any challenge; a team player; teacher, surviver and volunteer or helper of the needy or even a nurse or doctor/healer.
Tsimshian Legends and Mythology- The Tsimshian name itself means- `People of the salmon weir.` The Salmon's life cycle was highly respected, and if observed and respected the salmon would return for ever. Unfortunately we the first nations of the west coast battle the government and it`s fisheries department to keep it all alive. A vital indian food and resource for our people and most of the coastal creatures there is a desperate fight to protect and save this important food source.
Our legends tell of its beginning, usually as a creation of the Raven and eventually represented in many ways as story or lesson teachings of the utter importance of this respect and some practices passed on for thousands of years. One story speaks of the tribe that lost it`s respect towards these practices and only because of the respect of one orphan prince did the Salmon King bring back the schools of his people to replenish the starving indians.
Master of the forest€”always disappearing in the winter, changing into his spirit body to allow his earthly body to revitalize, so mythology says. There are many legends and superstitions represented by the bear. Because of its power and humanlike qualities, the bear was referred to as 'Elder Kinsman'. When killed, it was taken to the Chiefs house, sprinkled with eagle down (a symbol of welcome and friendship), and generally treated as a high ranking guest. The Bear Is a symbol of friendship and is often used on jewelery to express this. As a Bear revitalizes his body and spirit, a good friend does this for us.
Frog is the voice of the people, as a matriarc of wisdom for the children and for the chiefs to be. The importance of the matriarcs in Tsimshian tradition is that the women were the bearers of the future generations, and also had the special connection to protecting the children.
Symbolic- voice of wisdom, teacher by example, role model. Calm sometimes soft spoken, a real good listener.
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Tsimshian Thunderbird (Ts`its`amti), with wings of thunder, caused by the human spirits of past elder matriarcs. Who`s voices crash with the flapping of wings sounding out the messages of warning, to alert the people of danger or to give a new direction for the coming seasons.
Symbolic of a dynamic personality, wisdom and a voice of leadership. Sometimes intrigued by the power of thunder and lightning.
Dolphin or Porpoise (Tsimshian word isDZIIW) - Tsimshian mythology only speaks of these creatures as messengers of the ocean spirit, who is the female spirit of Mother Earth.
Symbolic - Joyful, free spirited and a positive attitude. Great sense of humour and comedian qualities.
Otter (Tsimshian word is PLOON) is the spirit of fun, contentment and shape shifting in Tsimshian mythology. He could actually switch physical bodies with any creature but only for a day or so, which was mostly for fun but sometimes used by ravens and coyotes to trick someone for food.
Symbolic- a loving, joyful happy spirit and nature. Very communicative and chatty, comedic even. Lover of the water and uni.
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