Our Pdeeḵ (Tribes)
All Nisg̱a’a are members of one of four Pdeeḵ, a very large “family” whose common ancestors lived in the time before memory. As with a Wilp (house), all Nisg̱a’a are born into their mother’s Pdeeḵ. Pdeeḵ are matrilineal—based on kinship through the maternal line. Each Pdeeḵ has two major crests.
Each Pdeeḵ owns different crests because each has different Adaawaḵ (traditional oral histories) which can differ between tellers. An Adaawaḵ of the G̱anada, for example, tells how some ancestors of this Pdeeḵ met a supernatural Raven while others met a supernatural Frog. These are considered property. Only some G̱anada members have the right to tell these stories and show these crests.
G̱anada
Raven, Frog
The G̱anada tribe identify themselves by the Raven and the Frog. The G̱anada are the “holders and messengers of knowledge,” both good (respect) and not good (fear). G̱anada communicate direction, the presence of animals or danger nearby, and even death. G̱anada also brings good news and encouragement. The G̱anaaw̓ (Frog), another teacher in the G̱anada tribe, inhabit lakes and ponds, and are linked to weather, change, and abundance.
Lax̱gibuu
Wolf, Bear
The Lax̱gibuu tribe identify themselves by the Wolf and Bear. The mountain tops and slopes are the domain of the Lax̱gibuu who showed our ancestors what animals are edible. The Lax̱gibuu also teaches us how to structure our lives.
Gisḵ’aast
Killer Whale, Owl
The Gisḵ’aast tribe identify themselves by the Killer Whale and Owl. Gisḵ’aast showed our people the edible seafoods. Gisḵ’aast represents “breath” and “life” as symbolized by the hole near the dorsal fin and the sound it makes. This information would be learned through the K’utk’unukws — the Owl who keeps watch over the lax̱-siilda (ocean waters). The gift linked with the Gisḵ’aast is the “breathing in” or “giving life” to knowledge.
Lax̱sgiik
Eagle, Beaver
The Lax̱sgiik Pdeeḵ identify themselves with the eagle. The Lax̱sgiik claims authority over all salmon spawning grounds. Eagle feathers are a sacred tool in Nisg̱a’a culture. The Lax̱sgiik are powerful beings, close to the Great Spirit, and with their gift of sight are able to observe, in fine detail, their surroundings and all that it contains. The Lax̱sgiik are the visionaries.
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