The Haida Creation Story

The RAVEN AND The FIRST MEN

Group F
Rohan Padhya ( 239573770), Sandeep Kumar Rambachan Singh (239577470),
Vedkumar Hareshbhai Patel (239578000), Sonu Singh (239572050),
Harjot Singh (239576630), Parth Verma(239574760)
 “The Haida Creation Story is a
traditional Indigenous narrative that
originates from the Haida people, who
are native to the Haida Gwaii
archipelago (formerly known as the
Queen Charlotte Islands) off the
northwest coast of North America, in
what is now British Columbia, Canada.
The Haida people have a rich oral
tradition, and their creation story is an
integral part of their cultural and
spiritual heritage.”
History - The Haida People
 Story…. ( Raven and the First Men )

• In the beginning, there was nothing but darkness and water. The world was filled with animals and
spirits, living in the water and the sky world above. Among these beings, there were two powerful
supernatural beings, Raven and Eagle. Raven is a central figure in Haida mythology and is often
associated with creation and transformation.

• Raven was bored with the darkness and the chaos, so he devised a plan to bring light and life to the
world. He transformed himself into a tiny leaf and fell from the sky world into the endless ocean. On
the ocean's surface, he noticed a clamshell and entered it. Inside the clamshell was a small, glowing
orb—the first light. Raven managed to coax the clamshell open, releasing the light and creating the
first day Gerald (2020).

https://pamelamorrisbooks.com/2016/12/22/how-crow-stole-the-sun-a-retelling/
 Continued…

• Raven then filled the sky with stars, the land with mountains, forests, and animals, and the sea
with fish. He also created humans, the first Haida people. According to some versions of the
story, he made humans from the driftwood he found on the beach.

• Raven continued to shape the world and gave humans the knowledge they needed to survive. He
is often seen as a trickster figure in Haida culture, using his cunning and wit to benefit both
humans and animals. However, he could be mischievous and cause chaos when he pleased
(Cross, Anne, 2011) .

(Bill Reid — Metalsmith, Wood Carver, Jeweller)

 Key aspects of Raven's character in the Haida Creation story

1. Adaptive and Clever: Raven is portrayed as highly adaptive and

clever. In the Haida Creation story, Raven takes on various forms
and uses creative methods to achieve his goals. His shapeshifting
abilities and quick thinking are essential for bringing about
positive changes in the world.

2. Creator and Transformer: Despite being a trickster, Raven is

also a creator and transformer in the story. It is Raven who brings
light to the world by stealing it from a powerful chief, a box, or a
clamshell. Raven's theft of light and other acts of creativity lead
to the formation of the Earth, the sky, stars, the moon, and many
other elements of the world.

3. Cultural Significance: Raven holds immense cultural and

spiritual significance for the Haida people. The story is not just a
myth but a part of their cultural identity, passed down through
generations. It is a way for the Haida people to connect with their Bill Reid Gallery
history, values, and understanding of the world.
Reflection of Story

The Haida Creation Story reflects the Haida people's

deep connection to the land and the spiritual
significance of the natural world. It also underscores the
central role of Raven in their mythology as a figure
responsible for the creation and transformation of the
world.
 Learning Outcomes from this Story

As we know that the Haida creation story is rich in symbolism and offers several moral and cultural lessons. Here
are some morals and lessons that can be drawn from the Haida creation story.

1. The Importance of Balance: The Haida creation story highlights the significance of balance in the universe.
The Raven's actions bring both light and darkness, suggesting that harmony and equilibrium are essential for
the world to function properly.

2. Adaptation and Change: The Haida creation story demonstrates how the world can change and adapt. It
shows that transformation and evolution are natural processes in life and that we should be open to change.

3. The Role of Creativity: The story shows that creativity and innovation can lead to significant advancements.
Raven's creative actions result in the formation of the Earth, stars, and other elements of the world.

Overall, the Haida creation story offers a unique perspective on the world and provides valuable insights into the
Haida culture, as well as broader lessons about our relationship with the natural world and the importance of
balance, responsibility, and cultural preservation.
References
“THE RAVEN AND THE FIRST MEN“ Bill Reid Foundation.
www.billreidfoundation.ca (Accessed Oct 25, 2023 @8:30 pm)

McMaster, Gerald (2020). Iljuwas Bill Reid: Life & Work. Toronto: Art Canada Institute. ISBN 978-1-4871-0242-5.
https://www.aci-iac.ca/art-books/iljuwas-bill-reid/key-works/the-raven-discovering-mankind-in-a-clamshell/
(Accessed Oct 25, 2023 @9:30 am)

"The Raven and the First Men From Conception to Completion" (PDF). UBC MOA. UBC Museum of
Anthropology.
https://moa.ubc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/Sourcebooks-Raven_and_the_First_Men.pdf
(Accessed Oct 25, 2023 @8:00 pm)

Traditional Stories and Creation Stories | Canadian History Hall | Canadian Museum of History. (n.d.).
https://www.historymuseum.ca/history-hall/traditional-and-creation-stories/
(Accessed Oct 26, 2023 @2:30 pm)

Cross, Anne. The Raven and the First Men: From Conception to Completion. Vancouver, BC: MOA, 2011.
(Accessed Oct 27, 2023 @4:30 pm)
 Presentation Recording Link
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Thank You
(háw’aa)