1977-84 1984-90 1991-92 1993 1994-96 1997 - 2002
 
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1977-1984: Hereditary System

The audio vignettes that are part of this section were recorded by Sim’oogit Gyologyet (hereditary chief Gyologyet) in the 1980s. They expand on elements of Gitxsan governance including clans, choosing a hereditary chief, the cremation ceremony, and the passing on of names.

       
Clan responsibilities around death.
(2.5 mb)
Transcript 		Each Wilp (House group) belongs to one of four Pdeek (clans) Choosing an hereditary chief is a complex process.
(3 mb) Transcript		 The gwila are passed on with the chief’s huwa. 
Elders in Gitxsan society are honoured and respected for the knowledge they hold Cremation was an important facet of Gitxsan spiritual practice.
(2.4 mb)
Transcript		 Sim’oogit (chief) Tsii Basaa and his hlguuhlxwim gyat (son) Sim’oogit Wii Muk’willixw From Heartbeat of the Earth by Gitxsan hereditary chief ‘Wii Muk’willixw. Transcript
Hereditary names belong to a Wilp (House group) and are passed from generation-to-generation.
(1.2 mb)
Transcript		 There are more than 50 Wilp (House group) territories on the 30,000 square kilometre Gitxsan traditional lands The psaan (totem pole) describes a Wilp’s adaawk (oral history), tying House members to the land base.  


 

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