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09 May 2011
Li’iliget (feasts)
Our feasts are often referred to as our House of Parliament, House of Law. They are a place where there are internal support systems from the father clan, in-laws, spouse, children, and even grand children. For instance, when your children put in their support to the father, they are earning their privileges to be on that land while the father is alive. For the immediate host clan and supporting house groups of the same clan, they put in their taxes to all their territorial properties.
Last night was the Wegyet (Yoopxw) house feast to do business over the death of John Bannock. From what little I heard, he had a very interesting life. A man in his eighties, he went to residential school and to war in Korea. The requirement was to relinquish your Gitxsaness to fight for Canada. Others who went to fight in the Second World War and the Korean War were Sol Jack, George Holland and many more. Still, their efforts were not recognized by the government.
The father clan are always the workers; this is why there are no inter marriages in the same clan as it disrupts the system. The Yoobxw house took the lead with other fireweed houses supporting. When other Fireweed houses feast, the Yoobxw house will in turn support them as they did for Yoobxw.
John was a caretaker for their fishing site at ‘Andimal and as a Gitxsan, he shared with anyone in need. This tradition, the Yoobxw house intends to maintain. In terms of treaty talks, all the above will remain, as we intend to be Gitxsan forever.
Art Wilson
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