4.1 Read: About Sense of Place Through Description

4.9 Aboriginal Symbols in Nature

Symbols are used in literature to give deeper meaning, more interest and apply universality to writing. Aboriginal stories heavily use symbols from nature to do so.  Animals are an important part of nature and aboriginal stories.  

What do animals symbolize in Aboriginal culture?  What is the connection to nature and place?  Research the following animals and record their symbolic meaning in the chart located in your learning guide:  bear, fox, lynx, buffalo, beaver,  raven.  Animals can be symbolic of many different meanings so be sure to identify your selected First Peoples group.  Here are a couple examples.

The Eagle symbolizes grace, power and great intellect. It is a sacred and noble creature representing power and prestige to the First Nations people of the Northwest Coast:  Haida Gwaii.

Wolves figure prominently in the mythology of nearly every Native American tribe. In most Native cultures, Wolf is considered a medicine being associated with courage, strength, loyalty, and success at hunting. In Anishinabe mythology a wolf character is the brother and true best friend of the culture hero.

In your learning guide 4.9 Aboriginal Symbols in Nature, use visual notetaking to summarize the symbolism of each animal. Use only key words to create a resource for quickly reviewing the meaning of each animal for your selected First Nation group.

Visual note taking involves using text and pictures in a structured way to create an image to help you remember what you have read.

There is no right way to do it but here’s a great example and guide: