Gispaxlo'ots facts for kids

The Gispaxlo'ots are one of 14 important tribes of the Tsimshian nation, an Indigenous group in British Columbia, Canada. They are also one of the "Nine Tribes" who live along the lower Skeena River near Lax Kw'alaams, also known as Port Simpson. The name Gispaxlo'ots means "people of the place of elderberries."

Their traditional lands are found along the Skeena River, between the modern-day cities of Terrace and Prince Rupert. Since 1834, when the Hudson's Bay Company (HBC) built a trading fort at Lax Kw'alaams, the Gispaxlo'ots have made this area their home base. Their chief, Ligeex, allowed the HBC to build on Gispaxlo'ots land.

The Powerful Gispaxlo'ots Tribe

The Gispaxlo'ots have historically been one of the strongest Tsimshian tribes. This was largely thanks to the clever actions and wealth of Ligeex, who was a very successful trading chief. He was known for his smart dealings with others.

In 1832, as part of his agreements with the Hudson's Bay Company, Chief Ligeex arranged for his daughter, Sudaał, to marry Dr. John Frederick Kennedy. Dr. Kennedy was the first partner of the HBC fort. The family group of Ligeex belongs to the Laxsgiik (Eagle clan).

Gispaxlo'ots Family Groups

Within the Gispaxlo'ots tribe, there are several important family groups, known as house-groups. These are extended families that trace their lineage through the mother's side (matrilineal).

Some of these house-groups include:

• House of Spooxs – This group belongs to the Laxsgiik (Eagle clan). Some members of this house are now connected with the Kitsumkalum community.
• House of Suhalaayt – This group belongs to the Gispwudwada (Killerwhale clan). A totem pole from this house was still standing in Lax Kw'alaams as recently as the 1930s.
• House of T'amks – This group also belongs to the Gispwudwada (Killerwhale clan). It was led by Arthur Wellington Clah until he passed away in 1916.
• House of 'Wiigyet – This group is part of the Gispwudwada (Killerwhale clan).

In 1935, a researcher named William Beynon recorded the number of Gispaxlo'ots people in Lax Kw'alaams. He noted that there were 18 members from the Gispwudwada (Killerwhale clan) across two house-groups. There were also 24 members from the Ganhada (Raven) clan in one house-group. The largest group was the Laxsgiik (Eagle) clan, with 63 members across six house-groups.

Notable Gispaxlo'ots People

Many important individuals have come from the Gispaxlo'ots tribe. They have played key roles in their community and beyond.

Some of these prominent people include:

• Paul Legaic, Legaic V – A hereditary chief and a successful merchant trader.
• Rev. William Henry Pierce – A missionary and a writer who recorded his experiences.
• Henry W. Tate – An important oral historian who preserved tribal stories.
• Arthur Wellington Clah – A respected leader and diarist who taught Father Duncan the Sm'algyax language.
• Legaic IV, also known as Old Legaic – Considered a very important chief in the tribe's history.
• Elizabeth Diiks Lawson – Sister to Legaic V and mother of Sgagweet IV.
• John C. Tate – Another significant oral historian.
• Xoop – During the time of Legaic IV, Xoop acted as a temporary leader for the young chief.

Current Tribal Leaders

The Gispaxlo'ots tribe continues to have strong leadership today. The current heads of the tribe include:

• Russell Mather Sr., Chief Neesa Walp (from the House of Neesa Walp)
• Alex Campbell Sr., Chief Gitxoon (from the House of Gitxoon)
• Wayne Ryan