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The Bird People, acrylic, © 2026, Lelia Canter

“The Bird People” is a symbolic representation of the Bird Clan (Ani-Tsiskwa); one of the seven historic matrilineal clans of the Cherokee people. The members of the Bird Clan traditionally served as messengers to the Cherokee people and towns and were keepers of the birds. They also served as interpreters of dreams and bird behavior as well as providing spiritual aids for tribal events and games.

The Bird Clan had distinct family lines or subgroups including the Eagle (Awa hili),
Turtledove (Gule diskanihi), and Raven (Ka lanu). They were also associated with the color purple and the maple tree.

Birds were viewed as spiritual messengers connecting the earth to the Creator and the spirit world.

The following birds are depicted clockwise starting at the upper right of the painting.

The Eagle (Awa hili) was very sacred to the Cherokee and figured prominently in ceremonial rituals and matters relating to war. The Bird Clan held exclusive authority over the acquisition of eagle feathers and the presentation of feathers to honor bravery and other distinctions.

The Wood Thrush (Guwagi), is celebrated for having one the most beautiful voices in the Appalachian forest. In Cherokee stories the Wood Thrush is a humble bird and often overshadowed and outwitted by more boastful birds. However, it is gifted by the Creator with its ethereal flute like voice and sings deep within the safety of the shaded woods.

The Raven (Ka lanu), is revered as a symbol of supreme wisdom, law, and intellectual medicine.

The Chikadee (Tsikilili) was a trusted messenger, truth teller and news bringer that embodied, honesty, knowledge, and protection.

The Wren (Ganulatsa) holds significance as a finder of hidden truths and symbolizes a peaceful hearth, household protection, and fore teller of changing weather. Also know as “the rain bird”.

The Turtle Dove (Gule diskanihi), which interprets as “he cries for acorns” due to the distinct cooing sound of the doves call was a symbol of empathy and viewed as a messenger between humans, the spirit world, and the Creator.

The Nuthatch (Tsulie’na) which translates as “deaf” was given its name based on its behavior of fearlessly scaling down trees headfirst in the presence of humans and noises. Viewed as cunning due to its behavior of storing seeds in tree bark and stealing the nut caches of squirrels.