Spirit Water

Once upon a time, in the lush and vibrant lands of the Gitxsan, there flowed a river that sparkled like diamonds under the sun. This river was no ordinary water; it had a spirit of its own, a gentle yet powerful presence that carried stories of our ancestors.

Before the world changed, our people crafted beautiful canoes from the trees, each one a work of art filled with the heartbeat of the forest. When it was time to journey, we would gather by the riverbank, and with a rhythmic bang on the canoe's side, we would call upon the water spirit to guide us. And just like that, the canoe would glide across the river, as if the water itself was eager to carry us to our destination.

This is what my father and stepfather taught me, stories passed down like precious gifts. They spoke of the deep connection we have with the water, how it holds the essence of life and spirit. We believe that everything around us—the trees, the stones, and of course, the water—has its own spirit, each one weaving into the great tapestry of existence.

Some people think the earth and water need us to heal them, but that’s not the whole truth. The earth and the water have their own magic, their own way of healing. They dance through seasons, renewing themselves with the cycles of life, regardless of our presence. It’s we who may struggle to survive if we don’t honor their spirits and remember our place within the natural world.

One day, I found myself standing by the river, the breeze whispering through the leaves. I closed my eyes and listened. The water sang softly, calling me to remember my roots. I felt the energy of the river flow into me, filling my heart with the wisdom of my ancestors. In that moment, I understood that I was not separate from the earth or the water; I was a part of them, just as they were a part of me.

As I opened my eyes, a family of ducks glided by, their feathers shimmering in the sunlight. I smiled, knowing they too were guided by the spirit of the river. Magic was alive all around me, a reminder that while we may think we are caretakers, it is the earth and water that truly care for us. 

So, I stood by that river, feeling the pulse of the land beneath my feet and the gentle current of the water. I made a promise to honor their spirits and to carry their stories with me, ensuring that the magic of our Gitxsan ways would continue to flow through the generations, just like the river that carried us where we needed to be.


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