Gitwilgyoots facts for kids

The Gitwilgyoots are one of the 14 main groups, called tribes, of the Tsimshian nation. The Tsimshian people live in British Columbia, Canada. The Gitwilgyoots are also one of the "Nine Tribes" who live near the lower Skeena River at a place called Lax Kw'alaams. This place is also known as Port Simpson.

The name Gitwilgyoots means "people of the place of kelp." Kelp is a type of large seaweed. Their traditional lands include areas around where the Skeena River meets the ocean. Since 1834, they have been based at Lax Kw'alaams. This was when the Hudson's Bay Company built a trading fort there.

Who are the Gitwilgyoots People?

The Gitwilgyoots are an important part of the Tsimshian nation. Their leaders hold a special family name called Saxsa'axt. This name is passed down through generations. In 1938, a researcher named Viola Garfield wrote about the leader at that time. He had taken over from his mother's brother. This is how leadership is passed down in a matrilineal family, where things are inherited through the mother's side of the family. This leader had been in charge for over thirty years.

Family Groups and Totem Poles

In the 1930s, the family group connected to the Saxsa'axt name was the largest in Lax Kw'alaams. A totem pole belonging to this family was put up in the 1870s. This pole showed a human-like grizzly bear. By the 1930s, the pole was still standing but was very old and hard to recognize. Totem poles are tall carvings that tell stories or show the history of a family or clan.

Clans and Houses of the Gitwilgyoots

In 1935, another researcher named William Beynon recorded information about the Gitwilgyoots people living in Lax Kw'alaams. He noted that they belonged to different clans. Clans are like large family groups that share a common ancestor or symbol.

The main clans among the Gitwilgyoots included:

• Gispwudwada (Killerwhale clan): This was the largest group, with 49 members. It included three "house-groups," which are smaller family units. The House of Saxsa'axt was one of these, with 22 members.
• Laxsgiik (Eagle clan): This clan had 23 members and one house.
• Laxgibuu (Wolf clan): This clan had 10 members and one house.
• Ganhada (Raven clan): This clan had 1 member recorded at that time.

Important Houses and Their Leaders

The Gitwilgyoots have several important "Houses." A House is a traditional family unit, often named after a chief or a special place. Each House has a leader. Here are some of the notable Houses and their clans:

• House of Sax'sa'axt (Gispwudwada clan)
• House of La'dox (Ganhada clan)
• House of Niis'Amaga (Gispwudwada clan)
• House of Legisgago' (Ganhada clan)
• House of Wai'yii (Laxgyibuu clan)
• House of Gwus'awa'l (Laxgyibuu clan)

These Houses and clans help organize the Gitwilgyoots community and keep their traditions alive.