Unlike the more common spirit bear, which is a white-coloured black bear... a white grizzly bear is considered a 1 in 4 million natural colour variant of the species. Nakoda lived in the forests of BC in Banff National Park. Nakoda, was a White Grizzly.

She was found scavenging on the roadsides and many tourists were attracted to her appearances. She became food conditioned, an increasing phenomenon of wildlife becoming dependant on food sources provided from human beings. When she gave birth to two cubs in Spring of 2024, she only knew to show them how to scavenge from the roadside.

By June 2024 all three bears were found dead on the roadside, struck by vehicles and succumbed to internal injuries.

Indigenous people of British Columbia (and most of North America) revered the White Bears as sacred elders. They were revered and respected, seen as powerful messengers and protectors of the forests. Today, Banff National Park receives toursits from all over the world, most people drive faster than signs allow, unaware or disconnected of the wildlife that live there. 

May Nakoda and her cubs legacy remind us to hold deep reverence for the natural environment. May human beings be reminded that our behavior affects all life, just as Nakoda's life affected so many in a powerful way.