Doc sends Hayley to Alert Bay to learn more about the legendary thunderbird, a bird that creates the sound of thunder when it flaps its massive wings. The Namgis (Kwakwaka'wakw) have stories about Thunderbird helping humans, but Thunderbird stories are also told by many other Indigenous people. Bret Buchol at Alberta Environment and Parks tells Hailey about the appearance and behaviour of eagles, our largest raptors.  

Kwagu'ł totem carver, Calvin Hunt, recalls stories from the old people on Vancouver Island. Artist William Wasden Jr. says the Namgus Thunderbird is called “Kwunusela“, the Thundermaker. These giant eagles with spiralled horns could transform between human and supernatural forms. Their Thunderbird dance movements are birdlike, and the dance song lyrics describe the thunderbird teachings of brotherhood. Doc concludes with the story of Kwalawatsi, a survivor of the great flood, who had help from a thunderbird sent by the creator.