When it comes to animals of great power and significance, there can be no denying the force of the Bear. He/she is a guardian animal of the four directions, a clan symbol, and plays many roles in Native tales and legends. The bear possesses numerous spiritual qualities and is meant to be approached with respect. Important oral traditions, rituals, and taboos are associated with the hunting, eating, and evocation of bears.

Fact: Many cultural groups, ranging from the Eastern Algonquians to peoples of the Northwest Coast, have bear societies.