Ginadoiks facts for kids

The Ginadoiks (sometimes called Gitnadoiks) are one of the 14 tribes that belong to the Tsimshian Nation. The Tsimshian are a group of Indigenous peoples who have lived in British Columbia, Canada, for a very long time. The Ginadoiks are also one of the nine tribes that live near the lower Skeena River in a place called Lax Kw'alaams. This place is also known as Port Simpson.

The name Ginadoiks means "people of the rapids." This name connects them to their traditional land. Their home area is the Gitnadoiks River watershed, which is a river that flows into the Skeena River. Since 1834, the Ginadoiks have been based in Lax Kw'alaams. This was when the Hudson's Bay Company, a historic trading company, built a fort there.

A Look at Ginadoiks History

Leaders and Chiefs

In 1938, a researcher named Viola Garfield wrote about the Ginadoiks. She mentioned that the main chief at that time was Cecil Ross. His title was Niisweexs, which means "Grandfather of Weexs." Cecil Ross's family had moved from another Tsimshian community called Kitkatla a few generations earlier. This happened because another person had taken over the leadership role in Kitkatla.

The main royal family line of the Ginadoiks had ended. This allowed Cecil Ross to become the new Niisweexs. After him, a relative took over the title. Then, that chief's sister's son became chief. This way of passing down leadership is called matrilineal succession. It means that power and titles are passed down through the mother's side of the family. One of these chiefs was Henry Nelson, who passed away in 1925.

Ginadoiks Families and Clans

In 1935, another researcher named William Beynon recorded information about the Ginadoiks people living in Lax Kw'alaams. He noted that they belonged to different family groups, known as clans.

• Two members were from the Gispwudwada (Killerwhale clan). This included the family group of Chief Niisweexs.
• Seven members were from the Ganhada (Raven clan). This group included two family lines, one of which was the House of Niisganaas.
• Eighteen members were from the Laxgibuu (Wolf clan). This was one large family group.

One important person from the Ganhada (Raven clan) was Lewis Gray (around 1857–1934). He held the title of Niisganaas. Lewis Gray was a key person who shared information with Viola Garfield during her research in 1932. He was also a shaman, which is a spiritual healer or leader. His special abilities were known even as far away as the Nass River. He was said to have been born with a "caul," which some cultures believe is a sign of special gifts.

Since Lewis Gray did not have any direct family members through the matrilineal line, he adopted his wife as his "sister" before he passed away. This allowed her to inherit the important rights and traditions of the House of Niisganaas.

Ginadoiks Houses and Clans

The Ginadoiks people are organized into different "Houses." Each House belongs to a specific clan. These clans are important parts of their social structure and identity.

• House of Niisganaas – This House belongs to the Ganhada (Raven clan).
• House of Niisweexs – This House belongs to the Gispwudwada (Killerwhale clan).
• House of Sats'aan – This House belongs to the Laxgibuu (Wolf clan).