Heber Clifton facts for kids

Heber Clifton (1871 – January 1, 1964) was an important leader, known as an hereditary chief, of the Gitga'ata tribe. The Gitga'ata are part of the larger Tsimshian Nation, an Indigenous group living in British Columbia, Canada. Heber Clifton came from the Tsimshian community of Hartley Bay, B.C. He belonged to the Gispwudwada or Killerwhale clan, which is one of the main family groups within the Tsimshian culture.

A Young Life and New Beginnings

As a child, Heber Clifton moved to a mission settlement in Metlakatla, B.C., led by a missionary named William Duncan. However, in 1887, many Tsimshian people decided to move to Metlakatla, Alaska. Heber Clifton's family was among a group who chose to return to their traditional lands instead. They helped create a brand new community called Hartley Bay. This shows how important their ancestral lands were to them.

Building a Family and Community

Heber Clifton married his wife, Lucy, in 1891. Their wedding was performed by Reverend Thomas Crosby. Together, they built a large family, raising five sons and four daughters. Their family played a big part in the growing community of Hartley Bay.

A Leader for His People

Heber Clifton's skills and wisdom were recognized by his community. Early in the 1900s, he became the hereditary chief of Hartley Bay. This meant he was a key leader, guiding his people and making important decisions for the village.

Working for Rights and Progress

Throughout his life, Heber Clifton worked in the commercial fishing industry, which was a vital part of life for many coastal Indigenous communities. But he also dedicated himself to fighting for the rights of Indigenous peoples. He believed in fairness and justice for his community.

In 1913, he spoke to the McKenna-McBride Commission. This was a special group set up by the government to look into land claims and rights of Indigenous peoples in British Columbia. Heber Clifton shared his knowledge and concerns with them. He was also one of the people who helped start the Native Brotherhood of British Columbia. This organization was created to protect and advance the rights of Indigenous people in the province.

Sharing Traditional Knowledge

Heber Clifton was also important for preserving his people's history and stories. He shared some of his traditional knowledge with William Beynon, a Tsimshian ethnologist. An ethnologist is someone who studies cultures and peoples. By sharing these stories, like a version of the tale of Gwinaxnuusimgyet, Heber Clifton helped make sure that important parts of Tsimshian culture would be remembered and passed down to future generations.