The Rekindling of the Clans

Our peoples within the Tsm'syen region have seen much turmoil in the last several generations. Our way of life and, eventually, our identity was utterly disrupted. From resettlements of large swaths of our tribes, to reeducation programs through the Residential Schools, there were multiple factors which led to the ultimate breaking down of the feasting system - Luulgit.

As todays generation tries to navigate the world, they may find themselves struggling to come to grips with their roles in 21st century, western living. The names which we hold now do not reflect what identity we once had in the past. These names had ties to the land and to the heavens.

The truth of who the west coast aboriginal people are is rich with life, wisdom, and wonders - things which are truly amazing, but all of that is being lost in much of today's generation.

Despite all of these hardships, there were still those among us who have preserved the ancient knowledge, and have had first-hand experience with our laws and protocols - Ayaawk. In fact, there have been several decades of work - which is still being done today, in these very words - has been underway to restore the Tsm'syen nation. It is up to today's generation to continue the rekindling, should our identity and means of returning to the heavens be upheld.

This may be the key to lessen the confusion within our peoples in the modern age, giving us peace and strength within our hearts.

Personal empowerment - Gatgyet - was given to us by the Creator. Our names have descended from the heavens as we were once spirit, but having been asked to leave the Creators house, because we refused to honour the law - Ayaawk, flesh came over the spirit - Oots'n. We had to re-learn the story behind our protocols and names in order to restore, in essence, the dance societies - our primary means of returning to the heavens.

We are at this point once again: re-learning who we are and restoring our being with Ayaawk.

So, Tsm'syen - Gitsiis - Waap'm Ks'goog'm Sm'oogit Ni'is Yaganaat - Sigid'm Hana'ak - Nts'is Xsynathk ada Łgu Waalksik - Wii Naat, invite all nations to a "Tea," where we might share in our knowledge of the Adaawx over some soup. Knowledge will be shared, history will be clarified and our identities will be affirmed by those who have kept the past alive within their families. Again, we welcome all nations to join us, and anyone willing to listen to our stories, aboriginal or not.

Each day will be dedicated to a clan:

Pte'ex (clan)

Lax Gibuu

Ganhada (of safe harbour)

Lax Skiik (on a high point)

Gispudwada (to transform...)

D'zepk (he makes himself crests)

Our "Tea" will be held at the United Church, Prince Rupert

Mon - Feb13th	Ganhada - Gaak - Soup - Guest Speaker - Maalsk
Tues - Feb14th	Lax Gibuu - Gibaaw - Soup - Guest Speaker - Maalsk
Wed - Feb15th	Undetermined...
Thurs - Feb16th	Lax Skiik - Xskiik - Soup - Guest Speaker - Maalsk
Fri - Feb17th	Gispudwada - Neex'l - Soup - Guest Speaker - Maalsk

Let us share our stories so we may come to realize our connection within the lands and in the heavens. Sharing stories, food, and gifts have been done for thousands of years. May we reignite that spirit amongst all nations, and may we transfer our wealth of knowledge amongst ourselves, and to future generations.

Feel free to check out more of our website. More material will be provided as we reach our to the First Nations of the Northwest Coast and beyond.

We hope to see you at the United Church!