The,Tsimshian,People,and,the,S travel,insurance The Tsimshian People and the Sacred Spirit Bear
Torres del Paine is among the biggest of Chiles national parks, occupying almost 600,000 acres (242,000 ha) of land in the south on the border with Argentina. It is also among the most important, receiving a significant proportion of domes Like any American, traveling occasionally is just what I love doing and I bet you share the same stuff with me. But traveling does not mean that you would be safe. Escaping from our job and other stressful activities is just something that w
The Great Bear Rainforest, in Canada, is often symbolised by the Spirit Bear, otherwise known as the Kermode Bear. This rare and beautiful creature has been a sacred symbol for generations, including to the traditional Tsimshian people, also known as the Chimmesyan. Wildlife enthusiasts who journey to British Columbia for exciting bear tours will be treading sacred soil once the home of these North American Indians.Land OriginsThe Tsimshian originally lived on the mainland and islands that are now called British Columbia and Alaska. Originally the areas were split into the Skeen and Nass Rivers and the Milbanke Sound, and each had its own Tsimshian dialect. The Tsimshians along the Nass River spoke Niska, those along the lower Skeena and the coast spoke coastal Tsimshian, and the natives found along the upper Skeena spoke Kitksan.Visitors embarking on bear tours of these areas will have the opportunity to witness the areas that the Tsimshian originally lived in; as the Great Bear Rainforest is an untouched area of temperate rainforest, the habitat is largely unchanged from when they originally lived there.ClansThe Tsimshian were divided into clans, lineages and tribes. The coastal Tsimshian and Niska were separated into four major clans, while the Kitksan was divided into three. These clans were then arranged into lineages, which were determined by their descent traced through their maternal line. Tribes would then consist of several of these lineages, and each lineage would work together as an independent unit with its own designated areas for hunting and gathering, along with their own heraldic crests and chiefs. The chief of the highest-ranking lineage became chief of the entire tribe, and together the tribe would participate in ceremonies and warfare.EconomyVisitors on bear tours may have the opportunity to witness the return of millions of Pacific salmon to the British Columbia streams, and this gives an insight into what the economy of the Tsimshian was based upon. The Tsimshian mostly relied on fishing during the summer months, which is when the salmon migrate to the Great Bear Rainforest for breeding. The Tsimshian would trap both these and Eulachon fish, otherwise known as candlefish, which are a species of smelt.In order to signify their wealth, the Tsimshian built permanent winter houses made of carved and painted wood. The people were surrounded with such an abundance of natural land and marine resources they had no need to be nomadic. Other resources they used for economic prosperity and sustainability included halibut, seals, otters, whales and cod from the ocean; shell and seaweed from the intertidal zones; and berries, lupine roots, red cedar, fir and yew trees for house building. They would travel occasionally for trade and would switch between summer and winter camps, but the distances covered would usually be short.Spirit Bear LegendThere is much excitement and inquisitiveness surrounding the mysterious origin of the Kermode Bears, which can be observed on bear tours to this area. The Tsimshians believed that one in ten Kermode Bears were given white fur to remind their people of the time when glaciers covered the land. They also believed the animals had supernatural powers, which is why they became known as Spirit Bears, and the name echoes the aura of mystery that surrounds them.The Tsimshian shared their territory with the rare white species for many years and always protected them against hunting. Kermode Bears are still held in high esteem by locals and visitors and a sighting is much sought after on bear tours. Article Tags: Great Bear Rainforest, Tsimshian People, Spirit Bear, Great Bear, Bear Rainforest, British Columbia, Bear Tours, Originally Lived, Kermode Bears
The,Tsimshian,People,and,the,S