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24 March 2010
My name is Gwaans (Beverley Clifton Percival). I was born in Prince Rupert, and I come from Wilps Hanamuuxw of Gitsegukla. My mother was Alaist (Barbara Clifton), my grandmother was Gwaans (Olive Ryan), a name previously held by Peter Milton. My father is Andrew Clifton, son of George and Violet Clifton of Gitgaata (Hartley Bay, BC). Each day I remember my family's contribution to the Gitxsan Nation and to the Delgamuukxw Court Action.
Both Gwaans and Hanamuuxw testified for us and my uncle, known then as Maas Gaak, gave his leadership to the cause of protecting the people, the culture and the land. Their strength and courage has played a large part in my life and my oojin.
After I graduated from high school in 1981, I received a B.A. in Sociology and Anthropology from SFU in 1987. I have worked as a sessional university, instructor for UBC and UNBC in Gitxsan Culture. I also have a diploma in Adult Instruction from Vancouver Community College. More recently I have completed my course work for an M.A. at UNBC but have not completed my project due to the death of my aunt as well as my mother. My project outlines in gitxsanimx our wilp Lax Yip and resources that form our gwalyeinsxw.
I have also volunteered on many Boards, such as; the Ksan Association, Hazelton Public Library, Upper Skeena Health Council, First Nations Council (Northwest Community College), and the Upper Skeena Community TV Board. I supported the Delgamuukxw Court Case, attending meetings with my grandmother. I am also active in the Lilligit; our WiIp raised a pole in 1991 and carried out our obligations within our system. I have held my grandmother's name since 1998 and have been taught our history, adawak, laxyip boundaries, ansilinisxw, and en'aat along with other knowledge necessary to carry out my responsibilities as a Gitxsan.
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