Native People have long had great respect for all beings with whom they share the planet. Their cultures developed realizing that all creatures participate in life; no individual is alive by itself. They watched and they learned from these creatures. They admired the animals and imitated the behaviors they found favorable. They included and still include these lessons and their animal teachers in stories and in prayers.

As Dennis Olson expresses in his book Shared Spirits, the Native cultures have a strong awareness of the interdependence of all living things and of the far-reaching consequences that any breach of contract with the natural world can have.

Literature cites Native People's relationship with certain animals as stronger than with others. It Some animals figured more prominently in their lives than others.

These are some of the lessons they have learned:

from Eagle:

The eagle is seen as a visionary, the one who sees the world far from itself with clarity and understanding.

Eagle feathers are expressions of bravery, good judgment, humility, and special perspective. They are never worn as casual adornment but as reflections of a person's vision and accomplishment.

from Loon:

Loons symbolize bravery, honor, and fidelity, perhaps because the male and female pair share equally in the raising of the young and in defending them.

Loons are believed to soothe and heal a torn heart.

from Wolf:

To the Native Peoples, wolves represent intelligence, knowledge, and wisdom.

Their presence in the land was considered a good sign. Hunters watched wolves to determine if elk, deer, or other game was in the area. If the wolves helped to locate game, the hunter would leave some meat for the wolves in appreciation of their assistance.

From the wolf, Native Peoples learned about cooperation and the value of the extended family. Watching wolves taught Native Peoples about protecting and having fidelity to one's tribe and about moving through the world carefully and quietly.