Attention: this is very old content, revived mostly for historical interest. Many of the pages on this site are still useful, but please bear in mind that they may be out of date. (Especially, do not try to use contact information, phone numbers, etc. found on these pages unless you couldn't find anything more recent.)
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ORAL HISTORY
The Gitanyow's Adaawkl is the oral history of their ancestors beginning in time immemorial and continuing through the ages to the present. The Adaawkl is represented in the many Totem Poles you see in the historic village of Gitanyow (Kitwancool).

For generations these oral histories have been passed on by succeeding chiefs and in each generation they have been retold by these chiefs and witnessed by others in the public forum of the Feast (Potlatch). "It is a strict law that bids us dance. It is a strict law that bids us distribute our property among our friends and neighbors. It is a good law. Let the white man observe his law, we shall observe ours." Kwakuitl Chief to anthropologist Frank Boas, 1896.

THE FEAST SYSTEM
The feast system is still the central institution in Gitanyow society despite past efforts to have them quashed by church and state. Language and oral histories (adaawkl)are alive and well.

GITANYOW CLANS AND HOUSE GROUPS
All 8 houses of the Gitanyow trace their ancestry to early Frog (Ganeda) and Wolf (Lax Gibuu) clan peoples and ascribe the origins of their present territories on the Nass and Skeena Rivers to the period when their ancestors first established their villages and territories in the early postglacial period.

Four Houses make up the Lax Gibuu: Gwass Hlaam in the 9 mile to upper Cranberry area; Malii from Sweeten river to the Brown Bear and Kwinageese River; Haizimsque at Swan Lake; and Wiilitsxw at Meziadin Lake. In the Ganeda clan: GamLaxyeltw is located north of Cranberry River and in the west Nass area; Luuxhon in the Kinskuch River watershed; Gwinuu in the upper Cranberry River and 26 mile area; and Wiitaxhayetsxw at the eastern Kiteen River.

STRENGTHS OF THE GITANYOW NATION:

• Gitanyow House system - elders, knowledge, ayookx(laws), and adaawkl (history.
• Ability to exercise authority and rights on our territories.
• Knowledge of territorial boundaries.
• Language.
• Independance.
• With 8 Houses we are a workable and manageable group.
• Knowledge about the conservation and preservation of resources on our territories.
• Our beliefs - to strengthen self-esteem and cultural survival.
• Ability to adjust to new environments and cultures.
• Honesty and trust.
• Sense of humour.
• Understanding of Ayookx.
• New modern school.
• Resistance to theft of our lands and resources.

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