Bear with hanging tongue

The bear with the tongue hanging out of its mouth is not what you think.

 Gather around, and let me share a story that carries the weight of our history, a tale that speaks of resilience and survival. Many people do not understand the significance of the tongue, often mistaking it as merely a feature of the bear. But there is much more to this story, one that we must keep alive as our Aboriginal stories, culture, and beliefs are too often appropriated for the profit of others.

In our tradition, totem poles are read from the bottom up, with the tribe usually depicted at the base. It is important to note that the Gitxsan do not have a bear tribe. Instead, the bear symbolizes Russia, a powerful force that once threatened our lands. Long ago, the West Coast nations—including the Gitxsan, Nisga'a, Haida, and others—joined together to stand against Russia when they began to claim our traditional territories and take our people as slaves.

Among those who suffered was a woman from the Eagle Tribe. She bore a child with a Russian chief, but her heart was filled with courage and desperation. In a moment of fierce determination, she killed the chief and, in a symbolic act of defiance, cut out his tongue to use as a soother for her baby as she fled for her life. This totem pole stands as a testimony to the stories we have endured, capturing the deep emotions we felt amidst the terror of that escape.

As she made her way to the shore, she faced a heart-wrenching decision. She knew she could not take her baby with her, for they would not harm the child but would surely kill her if caught. With a heavy heart, she left her baby on the beach, trusting that the child would be safe. When she returned to her village, she shared her story with the chiefs, urging them to unite and fight against the encroaching threat.

The tongue hanging from the bear's mouth is not just a detail; it is a powerful reminder of the woman who endured unimaginable hardship. Sometimes, you may even see a baby’s head depicted with a tongue hanging out, signifying the legacy of survival and the deep bond between mother and child.

From this story, several lessons emerge that we must carry forward:

1. Resilience in Adversity: The woman’s strength in the face of terror teaches us that we can endure even the most challenging circumstances. Her courage reminds us to stand firm in our beliefs and protect what is sacred.

2. Sacrifice for Future Generations: The heart-wrenching choice she made to leave her baby on the shore shows the lengths to which a parent will go to ensure their child’s safety. It teaches us the importance of making sacrifices for the well-being of our children and future generations.

3. Unity and Strength: The alliance of the West Coast nations against a common threat illustrates the power of unity. We must come together as a community, supporting one another to face challenges and protect our rights and territories.

4. The Importance of Storytelling: This story, like many others, is a vital part of our culture. It reminds us that sharing our histories and experiences is crucial for preserving our identity and teaching future generations about our resilience and heritage.

5. Respect for Life: The woman's journey emphasizes the sacredness of all life. We must honor the connections we have with each other and the land, respecting the struggles that have shaped our communities.

These lessons are woven into the very fabric of our identity as Gitxsan people. As we remember this story, we ensure that the sacrifices of those who came before us are honored, and we carry their strength forward into the future.