Gitxsan Spirituality
As a Gitxsan grandmother, I want to share the essence of our beliefs and spirituality.
On the West Coast, our Native brothers and sisters use various medicines for prayer, like devil’s club. Our traditions are rooted in a deep respect for spirit. We don’t romanticize our rituals and practices; they are simply part of who we are, ingrained in our upbringing. Respect for life is the foundation of everything we do.
Each person is born with unique gifts, and none is more important than the other. Even those who work with the spirit world remain humble, never boasting about their abilities. They simply do their job, just like everyone else.
We believe that God is within us and with us always. Every thought we have is a prayer, and our ancestors walk beside us, guiding us through life. Our spirits communicate with all spirits, and the first thoughts that come to us when we seek answers are often those messages from the spirit world.
In our past, we used sweat lodges to cleanse our scent before going hunting. This was a practical use of our traditions, connecting us to the earth and the animals we sought. We were always praying, as every thought is a prayer.