Gits'iis facts for kids
The Gits'iis are one of the 14 main groups, or tribes, of the Tsimshian nation. The Tsimshian people live in British Columbia, Canada. The Gits'iis are also one of the "Nine Tribes" who live along the lower Skeena River and are based in Lax Kw'alaams, which is also known as Port Simpson.
About the Gits'iis Tribe
The name Gits'iis means "people of the seal trap." This name comes from their history and connection to the sea. Their traditional lands include areas near the Khutzeymateen Inlet and Work Channel. These places are located between Lax Kw'alaams and Kincolith in British Columbia.
Since 1834, the Gits'iis have been based in Lax Kw'alaams. This happened when the Hudson's Bay Company built a trading fort there.
Leaders and Families
The main leadership of the Gits'iis tribe belongs to a special hereditary name-title called Niisyaganaat. This title is held by a leader from the Ganhada (Raven clan) and their royal house-group. A "house-group" is like a large, extended family that passes down its traditions and titles through the mother's side.
Today, the Niisyaganaat is Lawrence Helin. He is the uncle of a well-known author named Calvin Helin.
In the 1930s, a big traditional feast called a potlatch was held. This potlatch honored the death of Herbert Wallace, who had been the Niisyaganaat before Lawrence Helin.
An earlier chief of the Gits'iis was named Abraham Lincoln. He was not named after the U.S. president. Instead, he was named after an employer called Lincoln and the biblical figure Abraham.
The famous artist Bill Helin is also a member of the Gits'iis tribe.
Gits'iis Family Houses
Within the Gits'iis tribe, there are different "houses" or family groups. Each house belongs to a specific clan. These houses help organize the community and keep family histories alive.
Here are some of the main houses of the Gits'iis:
- House of Asagalyaan – This house belongs to the Laxgibuu (Wolf clan).
- House of Dago'milsk – This house belongs to the Ganhada (Raven clan).
- House of Łüüm – This house also belongs to the Ganhada (Raven clan).
- House of 'Wiilaxha – This house belongs to the Gispwudwada (Killerwhale clan).
The House of Łüüm and the House of Dago'milsk are two important Ganhada house-groups within the Gits'iis tribe. In the 1930s, a special totem pole belonging to the Dago'milsk house was still standing in Lax Kw'alaams. This pole showed a sea lion holding a gun in its mouth. Over time, the gun part had fallen off.
See also
In Spanish: Gits'iis para niños
