Most Native American tribes revere the bear. Each tribe’s cultural view of the bear varies; however, at the core, the bear represents authority, good medicine, courage, and strength. The bear is said to be a healer and protector. Like a mother bear protects her young, it is said that leaders who possess bear medicine stand up for what is right and fight for what is good and true.
The Grizzly bear originally roamed the Great Plains, living in forested and open areas of western North America. The presence of the Grizzly across the Plains spiritually connects them to Native American people—almost all tribes give the bear a prominent place in their cultures. Bears are symbols of wisdom: often featured as guardians, teachers, leaders, and healers in Native origin stories, myths, and legends.