Bear Bells are a way of life on the North Shore. As such, a number of community groups and businesses banded together to create the most coveted item for this coming winter: The North Shore Spirit Bells.
The bells represent our three municipalities as well as our three mountains on the North Shore: Seymour, Grouse and Cypress. Bears in Squamish culture represent strength and family. The green strap on the bells signifies the mountain forests and the lush green nature of our community.
The Bear Bells were blessed in a special ceremony by Elders of the Squamish Nation at the Hiwus Feast House on top of Grouse Mountain in front of enthusiastic witnesses including many school children. After the blessing, everyone joined Grizzlies Grinder and Coola where they were treated to seeing the bears and receiving a gift of a bear bell strap.
The North Shore Spirit Bear Bells rang out all over the North Shore (in fact at all events!),showing our community pride to the world this winter. For years after, the bells will be used to keep the bears of the North Shore safe in their home environment. A portion of the proceeds will be going to assist the North Shore Black Bear Society.
Over 12,000 of these special Spirit Bear Bells were made available throughout the North Shore.
