Respect Life
We are part of the animal world. Growing up, I didn't know much about the raven, but I heard many stories about it. Those stories never carried the main lesson for me. As Gitxsan people, we don't fancy up our spirituality. Our lives on the West Coast are tied to the land and the sea—filled with seafood, moose, deer, rabbits, grouse, and the plants that grow here. We’ve learned to respect all spirits. When we take an animal's life, we do it respectfully, honoring its spirit and returning its remains with gratitude. Every day is sacred. Our ancestors guide us, and the divine is both within us and around us—every thought we have is a prayer. In the end, it's not about our outward appearances. What truly matters is how we, as spirits, carry ourselves with respect and honor. We have our mystical and magical stories that shape our gatherings and experiences, reminding us of our connection to all living things. In Gitxsan spiritual beliefs, ancestors hold a central and revered...