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RAVEN- GAAK (gayck)

Raven Clan- Ganhada

Raven is the most popular character of West Coast Aboriginal storytelling and the highest ranking of Tribal clan Life Crests.

In Tsimshian mythology Gaak is referred to as the white spirit bird, Moks’gm gaak, Co-Creator, making all living creatures, including humans, to inhabit the earth. Raven has a great sense of humour too.

Life Crest meaning:

Wise teacher of many languages, creative, mysterious and confident.

Raven has a spirit connection to true history, other realms and their soul mates.

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EAGLE- XSGIIK (Esgeek)

Eagle is only mentioned a few times throughout Tsimshian stories and spoken of as a wise and cautious character who wasn’t easily fooled by Raven’s tricks.

Crest Meaning:

Great spiritual insight, visionary, wise teacher, storyteller and is a peacekeeper.

Eagle has a spirit connection to flying, exploring and hunting salmon.

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WOLF- GIBAAW (gibboo)

Wolf Clan- lakiboo

Wolf is only mentioned a few time in Tsimshian stories and is referred to as a wise and cautious character who always spoke with the tribe, or wolf pack, before making any decisions. This made it very difficult for Raven to trick the wolves out of their food.

Crest Meaning:

Wolf stands for family and tribal standards, unity and community. Gibaaw also enjoys exploring and wilderness adventure experiences.

Wolf has a spirit connection to tribal gatherings, observing the moon and singing.

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THUNDERBIRD- TS’ITS AMTI (sitz amty)

Thunderbird is the second most powerful character in Tsimshian stories and mythology, second to Raven. It is responsible for helping Mouse Woman, AKA, Mother Earth, to rebirth or heal the earth.

Crest Meaning:

Ts’its Amti represents healing, transformation and bold communication. No fear of any challenges and a protective responsibility of Mother Earth.

Thunderbird has a spirit connection to ravens, stormy weather, healing and wellness for all living things.

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FROG- GANAW (ganow)

Frog is only mentioned a few times in Tsimshian stories as a kind observer.

Ganaw represents kindness, wisdom, a heart for Mother Earth and passion for singing.

Frog has a spirit connection to the eco system, singing and teaching.

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DOLPHIN- DZIIW (zee yoo)

Dolphin is only mentioned once in our Tsimshian stories as a character wanting to play with Raven.

Dziiw is a character who loves to play, travel, dance and live a healthy active life while sharing through storytelling.

Dolphin has a spirit connection to Mother Ocean and personal development.

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KILLERWHALE- ‘Neexl (nayolthk)

Gispud’wadwaada (Blackfish Clan)

Killerwhale is the greatest creature of the ocean, with a unified tribal system.

Neexl is a friend of the fisherman who also dealt with sea monsters that tormented all ocean travellers. They would lead fishermen to good fishing areas and guide them through storms and foggy weather.

Orca has a spirit connection to good hearted humans and Mother Ocean. They are very family pack oriented, like the wolf.

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GRIZZLY BEAR-  MEDIIK (med/iigk)

Grizzly is truly the king of the forest and can move very fast to get whatever he wants.

Mediik enjoys being strong and enjoys his solo journeys, relaxing in nature, foraging and fishing. He can be moody but he has a big heart too.

Grizzly has a spirit connection to Mother Earth.

 

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HUMMINGBIRD- ALDIGAWS (al-digoss)

Hummingbird in Tsimshian stories is a healing spirit, bringer of the joy of life. Gardener of Mother Earth, protective and feisty for what is good and right, and mindful of others.

Aldigaws has a spirit connection to Mother Earth’s flowers and healthy remedies.

TS’MSYEN TRADITION

Hummingbirds are spoken of as healing messengers that represent the Shaman Ancestors who come to bring comfort and joy in times of sickness or loss of loved ones. They are not royal crests but can be gifted as secondary crests for women or girls in special ceremonies for becoming a woman or healer in training.

 

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BEAR- Ol (Oll)

Ol’ is referred to as ‘brother’ or ‘brother bear in many  Aboriginal Nations, probably because of it’s similar upright walking abilities and other similar traits.

Bear is dependent on the nutrition of the eggs of the salmon that will bring important nutrients to the forests where they live.

Spirit Crest; Bear symbolizes the strength of body mind body to survive in nature with respect and a thirst for knowledge and being good provider and protector of family and the environment. Mother Bear represents the matriarch or grandmother or teacher of wisdom.

TS’MSYEN TRADITION

Ol’ is spoken to with respect and guidance before the hunt for food or the gift of its own life as long as it isn’t the female bear. Drum songs and ceremonial dances portray bear as a powerful presence in the forest and an inspiration for catching salmon, while wearing a bear skin or life crest symbols on ceremonial button blankets.

Crest Stories and Meanings 

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