In Northwest Coast Indigenous art, the bee is a powerful yet uncommon symbol that carries deep layers of meaning connected to community, industriousness, and communication. While more prominent figures like Raven, Eagle, and Bear dominate crest imagery, the bee often appears in contemporary and revitalized art forms as a messenger and teacher. Bees embody the values of collective harmony and productivity, mirroring how Indigenous societies traditionally emphasize working together for the well-being of all.
Artists from nations such as the Coast Salish, Kwakwaka’wakw, and Haida have incorporated bee motifs into carvings, prints, and jewelry to express renewal and environmental stewardship. The bee’s wings and body lend themselves naturally to formline design, where circular and ovoid shapes echo the rhythmic, interconnected flow of life.
In recent decades, the bee has also taken on new significance as a symbol of resilience and restoration, especially in light of pollinator decline and the resurgence of Indigenous ecological knowledge. Through these artistic expressions, the bee connects the ancient teachings of respect for all living beings with contemporary movements for cultural and ecological healing along the Northwest Coast.
by Trevor Husband