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Tsimshian Society and Culture
Shamanism
Among the Tsimshian, a shaman could be a man or woman endowed
with special powers. Shamans specialized in one of the following
areas: healing the sick, attracting fish or game, influencing the
outcome of warfare, or predicting the weather. Shamans had psychic
powers, enabling them to see events happening far away or to bring
news of the future.
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A Kispiox shaman.
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Shamans usually served an apprenticeship to learn how to
manipulate the natural and the supernatural forces that influenced
people and events. They might also receive these powers through
dreams or encounters with supernatural beings. Some individuals
received these powers, even though they did not seek them.
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