| 1977-84 | 1984-90 | 1991-92 | 1993 | 1994-96 | 1997 - 2002 |
1977-1984: Fundamentals of Gitxsan Governance
Gitxsan society is based on matrilineal ascendancy meaning bloodline and identity is traced through the mother’s side of the family. Every Gitxsan belongs to a Wilp, or House group. The Wilp is the fundamental governing unit in the Gitxsan traditional system, containing anywhere from 20-200 closely related people. A Wilp has a distinct land base and fishing locations in the traditional territories. There are more than 50 Wilp, each with its own hereditary chief (Sim’oogit). Every Wilp belongs to one of four Gitxsan clans: Lax Gibuu (wolf), Lax Seel/Ganeda (frog), Gisgaast (fireweed) and Lax Skiik (eagle). Adaawk and ayookw, traditional history and laws, are passed on through songs and dances and orally through the two major dialects in Gitxsan language – gyeets (downriver) and gigeenix (upriver). The feast hall, also known as the potlatch, is the governing forum where business, social and political decisions are legitimized in the traditional system.
