It is said, in the old days Bear Warriors, through a special relationship with bear spirits, literally adopted a bear’s strength in the rage of battle, actually transforming into bears while they fought.

The Sioux had an elite medicine society composed of persons who got their supernatural powers from ‘mato ihan blapi’ meaning “those who dream of bears.”

The Bear medicine men teach each other the songs and ceremonies and the medicines they must use and what they are good for.

For Native people, the Bear Warrior was the epitome of bravery and courage. The mark of the bear’s claw on the shield or the horse of a warrior was one to be feared, and yet respected.

Bear Medicine is also associated with the ability to heal. Bear Medicine is known in virtually all cultures within the bear’s range.