The history of the Tsm'syen is tumultuous:
Plagues
Genocide
Separation from traditional ways
An amnesia of who we truly are in the younger generations
The list goes on, but this is a tale of long lost relatives, separated generations ago - 1887 - as they headed up to New Metalkatla, Alaska. They now come back home.
It would not be the first time this happened, but to us, it was a remarkable transformation into our true selves; an affirmation that our rich history is alive and well - all around us and within us.
Cliff Hudson, and, Joshua Diltz, of New Metlakatla descent, came back home with the hopes of reconnecting with as many relatives as possible and restoration of our Ayaawk ada Adaawx, while documenting every action we took. Their enthusiasm and energy seemed boundless and, as chance would have it, many aboriginal events took place in the short span of time while they stayed. This would include us taking a trip out in the Lax Kxeen harbour to explore Galts'ap'm Maas Ool [village of the red bear].
A Guest of the House
Tsm'syen - Gitando - Lax Skiik - Xskiik - Galts'ap'm Maas Ool - Waap'm Skagwait. The area of the, Man Who Fell From Heaven.
It would be upon the Sm'gigyet [real declarer people] to share the Adaawx [history - true tellings] of the area, as part of laying claim to their land. They would be raised to have deep understanding of their history, crests, songs, and dances that attached to their name and house. It is one of the markers of being Sm'hoyagm Gat [a well respected - knowledgeable - culturally educated individual - to represent and speak for the nation], shortened to Sim'oogit [real declarer person]. This title may only be bestowed to an individual who has dedicated their lives in bringing up their house and nation, and only the Sim'oogit'm Hana'ak [real declarer person of women] could appoint such a position.
It would be part of the Gugwilxya'ansk of the Waap adat Wil'naatał [extended matrilineal blood ties], to be passed down for all generations. If we are to survive as a people, it is of upmost importance that we exercise Gugwilxya'ansk - our intellectual property - so that we not only know our lands, but of the lands and history around us, imparting it upon future generations so they do not have to suffer the confusion we find ourselves in now.
For this trip, we were but visitors. My connection lay on my grandfather's side - he held the title Sim'oogit Ni'is Wii Baas after going through many days of teachings by his elders. Sim'oogit'm Hana'ak [hannah green] finally laid her money down and gave her blessing to the teachings, cementing my grandfather's ascension to Ni'is Wii Baas (which is an intermediary title for Skagwait). Her decision was never to be disputed once it was made and only she would have the power to make it undone, should the tribe decide the title was not a right fit.
There was Adaawx all over the beach - petroglyphs were found almost immediately.
Incredible Works by Wil'naatał
It was a very chilly day, it seemed that the winter would never let go of its grip of the spring. The boys were very excited to return to these lands. Most of their understandings had been from relatives or information in video and writtings. They then stood on the same shores as our ancestors, hoping to restore our prominence and authority with their story telling and boundless energy.
Cliff Hudson, had been doing an incredible amount of research into our families. He revealed many people whom I never realized were family. The Royal Houses of Tsm'syen always kept close ties to ensure stability and peace within the lands - always marrying into their station. It amazed me his recollection of all the connections while admitting he had still much to learn. The importance of learning your history and familial connections cannot be stressed enough, for it is our direct claim to the land - Gugwilxya'ansk.
The First Nation Foundation is one of Cliff Hudson's flagship endeavours, giving aboriginal people of all walks the resources to exercise their innate rights and live their traditional ways. I hope that more collaboration between his foundation and our Sm'gigyet develops as we move forward - exerting our authority in our home.
We spent a couple hours on the beach front and filmed a few words. I happened to stroll right through Galts'ap'm Maas Ool without realizing it - after I picked some liquorice root. I passed through a flattened, grassy area - a telltale sign that a village had once been there. There is an incredible amount of history all around the peninsula!
Bridging the Span of History
After the, Man Who Feel from Heaven, we headed back to the boat and set course for Metlakatla. This was the moment we had all been waiting for. Sure, this journey, the bridging of Metlakatla & New Metalkatla had been done before, but it was our turn to complete the circle. It was as extraordinary as any other mythical journey we had been learning about, through our true tellings. Indeed, we were walking the path of the Łagigyet [ancestors], our journey in the dance back to the heavens.
All the while, it was still hard to wrap my head around the fact that we were family. There was still a natural connection - as if we were never separated at all - as we delved deeper into our past, never failing to recognize we were bridging the gap between Tsm'syen of yore and now.
Often, I look about these islands not knowing exactly what it all means. The notion of "Tsm'syen," who I was, what my history is, was something far off, out there - somewhere. In reality, is all about me; it is in my blood. Every journey out on the Lax Yuup makes the land come alive more and more...
One of Many Memorable Moments
Josh and Cliff, would stay for a total of 18 days.
From the All Native Basketball Tournament, to Kala Kluusms [river of the salmon skins], we went on daily adventures (not to mention Legaic's markers on Kala Ksye'en). Most of the under-goings were captured by Cliff and Joshua themselves. I am humbled by their resolve and resourcefulness.
The Rekindling of the Clans has begun. It is not easy moving within a nation. A nation that often does not see eye-to-eye, even within their own Houses, but it is being recognized that if our identity is to survive, we all have to come together.
The strength and power I feel when we join our wills - as family - is remarkable and is it not told what feats we could accomplish, even with just a handful of us. Imagine what the thousands of others can do, if we only stood together - as one - within our Waap - protecting the Lax Yuup and each other's claims. It will not be an easy task to gather the Sm'gigyet once again, but such is the case with anything worthwhile.
It gives me much hope, this little adventure. Again, with our combined wills - we may very well overcome anything.
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