For many years, I have read the stories which are parts of the Haida Frist Nation legendary belief of Creation.
These are shared with the Tlingit and Tsimshian people on the mainland. As you might imagine, the stories change a lot with fine details.
The central stories are all the same.
I carve what I see in the wood. I can do it only if it is there. So I have many piles of wood, posts and blocks, indoors and outside.
The Ravens are my constant winter companions. I feed them when it is colder than -20C ( several nights this week of -35C).
I was carving Ravens in western red cedar when I understood that I could show parts of the Legendary Belief of Creation.
I get an idea for a carving then look for the wood that it might be in. Maybe in minutes, maybe in years.
Ravens are very intelligent birds and occupy a high place in the First Nations cultures of the Pacific Northwest.
Raven can move from the natural to the supernatural very easily.
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In the Beginning, it is dark. Raven has to walk everywhere like everybody else. It is too dangerous to try to fly.
After a time, Raven learns that all the light in the world is kept in a hidden box by "The Old One Who Walks Everywhere."
Raven plays many tricks and learns where the box is hidden. Raven steals the box of light.