Our History
All that we are, all that we have ever been, flows from and celebrates this place.
We are Nisg̱a’a. We have stories to share.
Ḵ’am Ligii Hahlhaahl / The Creator
Ours is a story as old as time itself, an oral history of transformation and endurance. It begins with Ḵ’am Ligii Hahlhaahl, our Chief of Heavens.
Above the clouds surrounding the highest peak at Mag̱oonhl Lisims, somewhere beyond the sun, is the home of Ḵ’am Ligii Hahlhaahl.
Creation
In the beginning, according to our W̓ahlingigat (ancestors), there was no light on Earth. There were no inhabitants nor creatures when our Chief of Heavens, Ḵ’am Ligii Hahlhaahl, founded the Earth. This history, as told by our ancestors, states that there were many different races of people up above. The world was dim and the only light was like moonlight or semi-darkness. Objects were not very easily identified.
When K’am Ligii Hahlhaahl sent the Ẃahlingigat, the ancient Nisg̱a’a ancestors, down to Earth he grouped them into four clans along Ḵ’alii-Aksim-Lisims (the Nass River). The Lax̱sgiik (Eagle), the Lax̱gibuu (Wolf), the G̱anada (Raven), and the Gisḵ’aast (Killer Whale) clans. The crests used were for identification of each family. Our Chief of Heavens decreed that one tongue be spoken among them, from Mag̱oonhl Lisims (the headwaters) right down to Saxwhl Lisims (the estuary).
K’am Ligii Hahlhaahl then gathered throngs of other people and placed them in locations beyond Ḵ’alii-Aksim-Lisims. He informed them that they would not speak the same language as the Nisg̱a’a. They would speak other languages according to where they were placed.
Tx̱eemsim Brings the Light
In the time before memory, our ancestors lived in disorder, confusion, and constant fear of starvation. To help the Nisg̱a’a, Tx̱eemsim, a supernatural being, shape-shifted into a pine needle, was swallowed by K’am Ligii Hahlhaahl’s daughter, and became the grandson. He then tricked the Chief of Heavens into giving him the box of daylight. When Tx̱eemsim found our people wandering in twilight, he brought sunlight to the world. He also made the tides and mountains, and provided many gifts, including the animals, fire, and Ḵ’alii-Aksim-Lisims, the Nass River. That is why the river was also referred to as Ksi-Tx̱eemsim.
Tx̱eemsim embodies all the miraculous multi-layered attributes of being human and in this way, Tx̱eemsim is our holistic teacher. An approachable demigod, he is full of human failings—even as he demonstrates how these failings can be conquered. To ensure his hard-won wisdom did not go to waste, Tx̱eemsim wandered up and down the length of the river, teaching the people he met. This was how our oral history began.
The deeds and misdeeds of Tx̱eemsim show that every being in the universe has a rightful and meaningful part to play—and that we need one another.
He taught us the sacred value of place.
Today, each bend, every turn in the river still follows the path of Tx̱eemsim’s journey.
The Great Flood
Long ago, the waters rose relentlessly. The Nisg̱a’a scrambled to higher ground as a great flood covered the world.
To prevent being swept away, our ancestors took to their rafts and canoes, tying their vessels to the four highest peaks in Nisg̱a’a territory, including Sg̱an̓isim Xhlaawit (Vetter Peak, 2058 metres) near Gitwinksihlkw, Sg̱an̓isim X̱k’aat’aapgwit near X’anmas Kwinamaas River, Sg̱an̓isim Ansimak’iskw near Kswan (Hastings Arm), and W̓ii Sg̱anisim Sim’oogit near Lax̱ḵ’alaan̓ near Hyder Alaska. These peaks became known as the Saviour Mountains.
When the rains finally stopped, the small group of survivors looked out from the mountaintops. They saw that water covered the entire valley and thousands of rainbows filled the sky. High above, flocks of birds circled with no place to rest. They dropped their plumage until they covered the water with feathers.
At last, the waters began to recede.
Some say it’s still possible to see ropes embedded in the rock of these peaks where our ancestors lashed them firm.
Halayt / Spiritual Healers
As spiritual people, the Nisg̱a’a could interact with all modes of life including the plants and animals. In the birthright and trained domain of the Halayt (the ones who know/spiritual leaders), this important role is always regarded as sacred and held in high regard. Sometimes, those who attained the highest level of hereditary names within a house group could be trained in this spiritual practice.
Nisg̱a’a understand and believe that every life force, creature and plant in creation has a soul just the same as humans. It is believed that if an animal felt disrespected, it might leave or not allow itself to be caught. Therefore, it was important to ensure that the members of a Wilp respected all living creatures. Halayt were often called upon to communicate with the various life forces of creation to convince them to interact, contribute and remain part of the process of earthly living.
When the missionaries arrived, they actively condemned the role and practices of the Halayt. As a result, some practices and knowledge of Halayt skills have not been passed on, although, some people are investigating and studying some methods back to life today.
Yukw / Feast
“It is important to understand what we mean by the ‘feast of Yukw,’ the basis of our feasting procedures and protocols today. By present day terms, the feast of Yukw is the Nisg̱a’a legal system of a land registry that parallels the European system of a land registry. In the Yukw feast when the deceased is a Sim’oogit, it is a requirement for the host to tell the adaawak of their wilp as a means of proving title to their Ang̱o’oskw.”
“Today, the ceremony of the Yukw is enacted in two phases, firstly, by Yukw (the settlement feast) then by Maḵ’a’am Lo’op (the stone-moving feast a year later). By Nisg̱a’a Ayuuḵ, the Yukw PROTOCOL continue to be performed in both feasts. The sacredness of the Yukw is based upon respect for our lands, resources, and on the sanctity of death itself.”
Sim’oogit Minee’eskw, 2000
(the late) Rod Robinson
Chairman, Council of Elders
Nisg̱a’a Lisims Government