Ancients of the Northwest Coast believed that some animals could supernaturally change their appearance and take on human form. Bear moved back and forth from animal to human form and as a result had characteristics of both.

An ancient story tells of a woman who was carried off by Bears and was married to the Chief of the Bears. She gave birth to twin Bear Cubs who are considered to be the ancestors of Bear Clan People of the Tshmshian, Kwak’waka’ wak and Bella Coola Peoples.