The <em>White</em> Raven Capital of the World at Schema : more than ethnic

The White Raven Capital of the World

I'm a huge fan of CBC radio (arguably Canada's NPR) and I sometimes catch the noon local interest show called BC Almanac. I'm so glad I listened caught the episode that featured BC bird photographer Mike Yip and his fantabulous photos of the extremely rare white raven. Say what? Yes, WHITE raven! I rushed online to see Mike's photos with my own eyes, because I've always had an image of the black raven -- clever, intelligent, shape-shifting, trickster raven and all that.

WHITE RAVENS WITH BLUE EYES

You must, must, must (!) visit Mike Yip's website Vancouver Island Birds to see his beautiful photographs, especially those of the rare White Raven (here -- scroll down until you see "Qualicum - White Raven Capital of the World").

As Mike explains, these extremely rare white ravens are not albino as they have blue eyes; instead he explains they have leucism which is a genetic defect that affect the pigmentation of the cells in some parts of a creature. Mike took the photos of the white ravens in Qualicum on Vancouver Island, which he dubs the "White Raven Capital of the World."

SPIRITUAL SIGNIFICANCE

Mike concludes with an explanation about the white raven's spiritual symbolism within the First Nations' cultures :

Several native legends credit the White Raven for bringing light to the world by freeing the sun, moon, and stars which were locked away by an evil being. In the course of its heroic deed White Raven was turned to black.
The occasional sighting of a White Raven now is meant to remind people of how the world was saved for all mankind and animals of creation.

There is also a belief that the sighting of a White Raven signifies the impending end of the world. With all the wars, riots, and environmental destruction, that might not be too far from the truth.

(source: CBC BC Almanac | Mike Yip's Vancouver Island Birds)