Ancestors

Dreams of Ancestors

My yea'a has always given me so much strength. 

Back in February 1991, I had a dream that has stayed with me ever since. In this dream, I saw Sasquatches. The family house and our father tribe were all gathered together, surrounded by the lush green forest. I looked outside, and a wave of fear washed over me when I saw something moving in the trees. Then, a Sasquatch stepped out from the woods. I had never seen one before—a huge, dark brown, hairy figure moving gracefully from the forest. It was a beautiful day, and everything felt fresh, like it had just rained the day before.

I turned to my yea'a and asked him why the Sasquatch was there. He replied, “They are here to be with us.” As I looked again, I noticed that more Sasquatches had joined the first one—about a dozen in total. They gathered with us like another house, and I imagined they came with our father tribe.

We continued our usual business, connecting with family and discussing community issues. With my family, everything often feels political, but it was good to enjoy each other's company and reconnect.

That dream was powerful. It made me realize that some of my ancestors, my yea'a, were Sasquatch. Six months later, my grandfather passed away, and I felt a deep sense of loss.

Tradition and culture are ingrained in our upbringing. I learned everything by watching my parents and grandparents live their lives with respect for the spirits around us.

Just yesterday, I found myself thinking of my yea'a, my mother’s dad, AutoMoto. For the past few days, I have felt his presence with me. It’s a reminder that our ancestors are always near, guiding us and giving us strength. In our dreams, they connect with us, reminding us of our roots and the importance of our heritage. We carry their wisdom with us, and it shapes our journey every day.


Popular posts from this blog

Bear with hanging tongue

Image
The bear with the tongue hanging out of its mouth is not what you think.  Gather around, and let me share a story that carries the weight of our history, a tale that speaks of resilience and survival. Many people do not understand the significance of the tongue, often mistaking it as merely a feature of the bear. But there is much more to this story, one that we must keep alive as our Aboriginal stories, culture, and beliefs are too often appropriated for the profit of others. In our tradition, totem poles are read from the bottom up, with the tribe usually depicted at the base. It is important to note that the Gitxsan do not have a bear tribe. Instead, the bear symbolizes Russia, a powerful force that once threatened our lands. Long ago, the West Coast nations—including the Gitxsan, Nisga'a, Haida, and others—joined together to stand against Russia when they began to claim our traditional territories and take our people as slaves. Among those who suffered was a woman from th...
Read more

When the food drops

Image
I learned a lot from my grandfather and my parents just by watching them every day. We didn’t talk much about spirituality; we just lived it. Spirituality runs deep in our upbringing; it’s something that flows through our blood and is passed down by our ancestors who have gone before us. Our beliefs aren’t fancy or dramatic—there's no fire and lightning, just the spirit. We used to respect all of life, knowing that spirits are present in everything, including ourselves. God is within us and beside us; every thought we have is a prayer. I should mention that medicine can be used for harm too. Thoughts filled with hatred can be prayers as well. Some people who mix their medicine with bad intentions are called Hel'dow'gwit, or witchcraft. Over the past 50 years, many Gitxsan have changed and evolved. Sweat lodges, which were once only for hunting preparation, are now spaces for prayers and healing. Traditional gatherings have transformed into Healing Circles where we talk abou...
Read more

Burning

Image
Too often, our Gitxsan culture is romanticized, which can create an illusion that it is unattainable or far removed from the realities of our daily lives. This perception can make it seem uninviting to our young people, who may feel disconnected from the traditions and values that define us. We must remember to light the fire, to gather together, and to prepare meals with love for our family and friends. The act of burning food is not a failure but a reminder of our humanity and the lessons we learn along the way. Each meal shared is an opportunity to connect, to nurture, and to honor those we cherish. Every thought is a prayer. When we think of our loved ones who have journeyed on, they are with us in spirit, surrounding us with their love and gratitude for the respect and intention we hold in our hearts. It is in these moments that we can feel their presence, reminding us of the strength of our connections and the importance of our cultural practices. Let us not shy away from the imp...
Read more