The sea otter is a defining creature in the mythology and development of the Northwest Coast. An intelligent yet playful creature, it is often depicted with a sea urchin on its belly. The otter is associated with shamanic rituals due to its knowledge of both the sea and land worlds. It became the target for international trade when it became an alternative to the disappearing mink pelts that were in high demand from Russia and Asia. Many expeditions from European nations travelled around Cape Horn and the full length of South and North America to reach the Bering Sea and the plentiful Otters which were then hunted to near extinction. The ships made the first European contact with the Northwest Coast nations for trade and later territorial expansion.

– Gary Wyatt