Great bear

Bears play an important part in First Nations culture as symbols of strength, hard work, and even great love. Many tribes believe the "Great Spirit" to often take the form of a bear. It would lead hunters on great chases and could die, only to be reborn in the spring. Bears were considered mythical and "magical" creatures.

First Nations use the Great Bear to explain the seasons. It rises up in the spring, waking up the earth and bringing things to life. As summer approaches, The Bear runs across the top of the heavens avoiding hunters; its hot breath flows across the land to make the world hot and sweaty. In August, the bear gets caught by the hunter. The blood of the bear falls to the earth, resulting in showers resulting the leaves changing colors, mainly red and orange. Through the winter, there is no life in the bear and thus the earth is cold and lifeless.

For the First Nations, the bear gave life to the land. The bear was therefore a Mother-symbol and is fiercely protective of its cubs.

And then there were white bears in some places known as spirit bears, they were not Polar Bears, they are gifts of the "Great Spirit" to remind people that they once lived in a land of ice and snow.

But the bear was also a hunter that knew the land. They were quick, big and powerful, and also considered extremely clever; outfighting cougars and wolves. A Native American with the word bear in his name was considered to be an excellent provider as well as a powerful warrior. Bears were not gods, just made by God.

Enjoy the bear…. respect the bear….

Jim