Gitxsan Branches

Morning Thoughts on Traditional Communication

As a Gitxsan grandmother, I sit here reflecting on our ways of communication and the deep roots of our culture. We have never been a romanticized people, though society often exaggerates our traditions. At the heart of our existence lies a simple yet powerful truth: Respect Life is our main law.

Our communication resembles the branches of a tree—interconnected and supportive. Each house has a key person, someone who acts as a bridge between the community and the chiefs. This person could be a daughter, a son, or another member of the house. We often refer to them as the "matriarch." They naturally find themselves in this role, learning how to convey important information between the chief and the house.

When there’s an issue in the community, it’s this key person you should speak to—not directly to the chiefs. This approach has been understood for centuries; chiefs don’t sit in meetings with the community to discuss matters anymore. They meet with other chiefs, deciding together how to move forward.

I often think about the Gitxsan Treaty Office


meetings that have emerged in recent years. While they may serve as a communication point for the outside world, they are not traditional. These meetings follow a generic structure that has little to do with our traditional laws and practices.

It’s been challenging to navigate a world that constantly interprets our Gitxsan traditions through a Eurocentric lens. I’ve heard that some Gitxsan people are now applying the Indian Act’s patriarchal laws to our houses, which strays from our true values. Our traditions respect the matriarch, honoring the strength and wisdom of our mothers. If your mom is Gitxsan, then you are Gitxsan, regardless of whether you are adopted. You follow your mother until death, and that bond is sacred.

In my quiet moments, I offer thanks to my ancestors for guiding us each day. I believe that God is within us and with us, and every thought we have is a prayer. As we move forward, let us hold tight to our traditions, ensuring they are passed down through generations. Together, we can strengthen our community and honor the roots from which we grow.

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