Laxgibuu facts for kids

The Laxgibuu (say "Lax-gee-boo") is the name for the Wolf clan among several Indigenous groups in British Columbia, Canada, and southeast Alaska. This clan is part of the Tsimshian, Gitxsan, and Nisga'a nations.

The name Laxgibuu comes from the word gibuu, which means wolf in the Gitxsan and Nisga'a languages. Even though the Tsimshian word for wolf is gibaaw, they still use Laxgibuu for their Wolf clan.

The main symbol, or crest, of the Laxgibuu clan is the Wolf. Some family groups within the Laxgibuu also use other crests, like the black bear.

Some Laxgibuu family groups are connected to Wolf clans among the Tahltan and Tlingit First Nations further north. For example, some Tlingit Wolf groups moved south from Alaska a long time ago. They settled among the Tsimshian, Gitxsan, and Nisga'a peoples to avoid conflicts.

Descendants of these groups share special stories, like different versions of the "Bear Mother" story. This story has been studied by people who learn about cultures and folklore. The Kitsumkalum Laxgibuu are one Tsimshian Wolf group that has the right to tell this important story.

Nisga'a Laxgibuu Clans

The Nisga'a Nation also has many Laxgibuu Wilp (family or house groups). Here are some of the main ones:

Gitwilnaak'il Clan

This clan includes several house groups, such as:

• House of Duuḵ
• House of K'eex̱kw
• House of Gwingyoo

Gisḵ'ansnaat Clan

This clan also has important house groups like:

• House of Sg̱at'iin
• House of Ni'isyoḵ
• House of Gwisḵ'aayn

Gitlax̱t'iyooḵ Clan

Key house groups in this clan are:

• House of Bax̱k'ap
• House of Ax̱dii M̓in'aajax̱
• House of W̓ii Gadim X̱sgaak

Gitgigeenix Clan

This clan includes house groups such as:

• House of N̓agwa'un
• House of Ni'islisy̓aan
• House of Kw'ax̱suu
• House of Gints'aadax̱

Gitwilluuyaxw Clan

This clan has the House of Ksdiyaawaḵ.

Other Nisga'a Laxgibuu Houses

There are also other significant Laxgibuu house groups, including:

• House of Wii N̓aa Buxw
• House of Ax̱gwindaskw
• House of Aama Gat
• House of W̓ii Gwisyaxw
• House of X̱sduutgum Lax̱ha