"In the Sahnish culture the circle represents the cycle of life. The earthlodge was built in a circle, in relation to the People's universe. The earthlodge was the Sahnish shelter and haven of safety from the elements and protection from our enemies." - Melvina Everett, Sahnish Elder

The Meaning of the Sahnish Shield
by Yvonne Fox

"Nature as we know it, was important in the life of all of the people. The understanding of the cyclical patterns of the seasons was very important to the very existence of the Sahnish. The colors shown on the shield relate to spiritual aspects of the Sahnish culture. Shown on the left of this shield is the cedar tree, called by our people 'Grandmother Cedar'. She represents everlasting life as the cedar is green all year long. She is known for healing and cleansing the mind and body.

On the right side of the shield is the sacred 'Grandfather Rock'. This rock represents strength, endurance, and indestructibility. This rock has been carried by our tribe for as long as we can remember. It still exists.

One of the more important items that exists in the Sahnish culture is the pipe. The pipe is used in spiritual and healing ceremonies. The right to use the pipe must be earned. This is an honor and a great tribal responsibility.

The corn is the life giving plant of the Sahnish. From time immemorial we have cultivated and grown our corn. Our origin story is focused around the corn and a being known to us as 'Mother Corn'.

Mother Corn taught our people how to live, she gave the people the rules to live by. Some of these are: generosity, selflessness, compassion for our relatives (we are all related), temperance in all things, courage, and a resilience which is one of the reasons we are still in existence today as a nation."