Article

Raven Symbolism

Published Online March 1, 2012

Last Edited March 4, 2015

The Indigenous people of the Northwest Coast had numerous origin myths which explained, for example, how daylight began or why summer and winter alternate. The principal character in many of these myths is a powerful trickster, Raven, who is known to different First Nations under various names.
Raven, Common
The raven is a fierce and crafty bird which widely figures in native mythology as a mischief maker (photo by Brian M. Wolitski).
Raven Symbolism
Among the Northwest Coast First Nations the Raven is symbolic as a trickster and initiates the first salmon run of the season.
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The Indigenous people of the Northwest Coast had numerous origin myths which explained, for example, how daylight began or why summer and winter alternate. The principal character in many of these myths is a powerful trickster, Raven, who is known to different First Nations under various names. On the northern part of the coast, Raven was the most popular crest figure. In the south he was valued as a guardian spirit. Possessors of this spirit are fine hunters who enjoy special ease in killing game. Raven combined the characteristics of good and evil, and for his mischief he was turned black forever. The Haida, Tlingit and Tsimshian had moieties they called Raven.