Thunderbird

ARTICLE CONTENTS:  |  Links to Other Sites
Thunderbird, a supernatural creature prominent in Northwest Coast Indian myths. Thunder and lightning are attributed to the thunderbird, which produces thunder by flapping its wings and lightning by opening and closing its eyes. The thunderbird is said to hunt whales, using its wings to shoot arrows. Among some Plains FIRST NATIONS, thunderstorms are a contest between the thunderbird and a huge rattlesnake. Individuals who had been struck by lightning and survived often became SHAMANS, for they had received the power of the monster bird.

See also: NATIVE PEOPLE, RELIGION.

Thunderbird
Thunderbird
Thunderbird is a powerful supernatural being found in Native legends throughout North America. Painting by Carl Ray (courtesy Confederation College, Thunder Bay).

Author RENÉ R. GADACZ


Links to Other Sites
Canadian Aboriginal Writing and Arts Challenge
The website for the Canadian Aboriginal Writing and Arts Challenge, which features Canada's largest essay writing competition for Aboriginal youth (ages 14-29) and a companion program for those who prefer to work through painting, drawing and photography. See their guidelines, teacher resources, profiles of winners, and more. From the Historica-Dominion Institute.

Four Directions Teachings
Elders and traditional teachers representing the Blackfoot, Cree, Ojibwe, Mohawk, and Mi’kmaq share teachings about their history and culture. Animated graphics visualize each of the oral teachings. This website also provides biographies of participants, transcripts, and an extensive array of learning resources for students and their teachers. In English with French subtitles.

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