Gitxsan facts for kids
Gitxsan on the banks of the Skeena River at Hazelton, 1901
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|
| Total population | |
|---|---|
| 5,680 (2016 census) | |
| Regions with significant populations | |
| Canada British Columbia |
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| Languages | |
| English • Gitxsan | |
| Religion | |
| Indigenous spirituality |
The Gitxsan (sometimes spelled Gitksan) are an Indigenous group of people living in Canada. Their traditional home is a large area in British Columbia known as the Skeena Country. The name "Gitxsan" comes from their language, where Git means "people of" and Xsan means "the River of Mist." This refers to the Skeena River, which is very important to them.
The Gitxsan territory covers about 35,000 square kilometers (about 13,500 square miles). This land includes the upper parts of the Skeena River and its many smaller rivers. Even though their land is more inland, their culture is similar to other Indigenous groups who live along the Pacific Coast. The Gitxsan speak a language called Gitxsanimaax, which is part of the Tsimshianic language family. They have lived in this area for at least 10,000 years!
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Gitxsan Society and Culture
The Gitxsan have a special way of organizing their society. It is a matrilineal society, which means that family lines and important roles are passed down through the mother's side.
Clans and Houses
Gitxsan society is made up of four main Clans:
- Frog
- Eagle
- Wolf
- Fireweed
Each clan has several independent Houses (called Wilp). Every House has its own High Chief. These Houses also have their own traditional lands and special places for fishing. It is against their customs for people from the same clan to marry each other.
Where Gitxsan People Live
Today, there are about 5,000 Gitxsan people living in British Columbia. Many still live in their traditional territory. Others live in cities like Terrace, Smithers, and Vancouver. Some Gitxsan people also live in other parts of the world.
Art and History at 'Ksan
If you want to learn more about Gitxsan art and history, you can visit the 'Ksan museum. It is located near Hazelton, on the Gitanmaax reserve. The museum shows both traditional and modern Gitxsan artwork.
Land Rights and Treaties
The Gitxsan people have important rights to their traditional lands. These rights are called "aboriginal title rights."
Delgamuukw Decision
In 1997, the highest court in Canada, the Supreme Court of Canada, made a very important decision about the land rights of the Gitxsan and their neighbors, the Wetʼsuwetʼen. This decision is known as the Delgamuukw decision. It confirmed that the Gitxsan and Wetʼsuwetʼen have aboriginal title to their traditional lands. This means they have a special legal right to their ancestral territories.
Treaty Discussions
Even after the Delgamuukw decision, the Gitxsan Nation is still working with the Canadian and British Columbia governments. They are trying to reach a formal treaty agreement about their land and rights.
Gitxsan Communities
The Gitxsan people live in several villages. These villages are divided by the dialect of the Gitxsan language they speak.
Eastern Gitxsan Dialect (Gitxsanimax̱)
These communities are in the eastern region, called Gigeenix:
- Old Hazelton (traditional name: Gitanmaax, home of the Gitanmaax Band)
- Kispiox (traditional name: Anspa'yaxw, home of the Kispiox Band Council)
- Glen Vowell (traditional name: Sik-e-Dakh, home of the Glen Vowell Indian Band)
Western Gitxsan Dialect (Gitsenimx̱)
These communities are in the western region, called Gyeets:
- Gitanyow (formerly called Kitwancool, home of the Gitanyow Band)
- Gitsegukla (formerly called Kitsegeucla, home of the Gitsegukla Indian Band)
- Kitwanga (traditional name: Gitwangak, home of the Gitwangak Indian Band)
- The community of Cedarvale (traditional name: Minskinish or Meanskaniist) is part of the Gitwangak.
Notable Gitxsan People
Many Gitxsan people have made important contributions. Here are a few:
- Cindy Blackstock - A well-known activist for Indigenous children's rights.
- Simon Gunanoot - A historical figure who was wrongly accused but later cleared.
- Walter Harris - A hereditary chief and talented artist/carver.
- Doreen Jensen - An artist, carver, activist, and educator.
- Judith P. Morgan - A skilled painter.
- Billy ThunderKloud - A singer and entertainer, also a hereditary chief.
- Nathaniel P. Wilkerson - An artist and carver.
