Gitksan Lesson - Katie Ludwig, Galsimgiget

10/29/2018

10/18/2016

Georgia Cook

10/04/2015

Liz Williams

02/20/2015

Ha'nii Xwsdins hl Sa (Friday ) February 20, 2015
Lesson: Txalpx wil K'ep di k'i'y (41)
Halayt
Pronounced Haalite.
These are the specialist in matters of the spirit world. They make it their life's work to know and understand this world, and to use this knowledge for the good of our people.
Of all his powers, the shaman is best remembered for his ability to cure the sick. As a healer he is called swenasxw, now a days is called the 'medicine man'.
End of lesson 41.

02/12/2015

Ha'nii txalpx hl Sa (Thursday ) February 12, 2015.
Lesson: Txalpx wil K'ep (40)
In the past, among the peoples of the Skeena, children were taught from an early age to know and understand the world of the supernatural.
To strengthen and purify themselves, the children bathed in the River or in the ocean every morning, summer and winter, and then drank oolican oil as they warm themselves before the fire. They aye less than they wanted, so that they would be able to fast when they grew up. They chewed devil's club, or drank the juice made by boiling it. They sat quietly, learning to calm their minds and hearts. They learned the moral laws of their grandfathers, laws that taught live and respect for all living things.
End of lesson: 40

02/11/2015

Ha'nii Gwile'l hl Sa (Wednesday ) February 11, 2015.
Lesson: Gwil'el wil K'ep di xwsdimoos (39)
Sinew is a tough fibrous tissue uniting muscle to bone or bone to bone; a tendon or ligament .
Our people used sinew from the back muscles of the caribou, moose or mountain goat. Often used to make bows. Sticky glue paste was made from boiled fish heads or animal hooves.
End of lesson 39

11/23/2014

Ha'nii Yeekw (Saturday )
November 22, 2014
Lesson: Gwile'l wil K'ep di Gandoo'lt (38)
The "talking stick" - it's purpose. Years ago, when it is your turn as a chief to speak, you are handed the talking stick, all of the chiefs and guests are quiet and will listen to what the speaker has to say. The room would be absolutely quiet, this is the respect that is shown to each speaker. Growing up, we were taught not to make fun of people (no matter how different they are, we believe that if we do make fun, the exact same thing will happen to us. An example, for us as children, we were not allowed to ride a wheel chair in fun. It is the same as making fun of those that need it in their daily lives. The same applied to all living things .)
As children our parents told us not to respond to people that are being nasty towards us, that they will get it in the end. (Karma).
Just as our Gitksan laws says, we are not to tell the history of other chiefs totem poles. We might make a mistake and cause a lot of trouble. Correcting a wrong is very expensive.
I am concerned about how our people treat each other's now. Words said to one another can be so hurtful. Even if it is said as a joke, followed by laughter. You were thinking it.
Respect: by the way you behave with each other.
Think about what you are going to say, make sure your words aren't hurting someone.
Don't involve yourself in gossip.
An elder said to me, "If you rip open a pillow full of feathers and let them fly, you would never be able to gather all of them again. Your words are like that, you will never be able to take then back once you've said them."
Ansipsiipinsxw is a word that the old people said all the time. These are people that are loved and held in the highest regard💖.
End of Lesson 38.

08/12/2014

Sgogam Sa (Monday) August 11, 2014

Lesson: Gwile'l wil k'ep di tipx'oo'lt' (37)

Kinship terms:
Huxwdaak'in - grandchild
Hlems - parent-in-laws
K'aahlaan - uncle-in- law (on your father's side) (step father), (brother-in-law)
Gwislis - nephew or niece
Stik'eekxw - brother, sister
Nox - mother
Nigwoot - father
Nixdaa - aunt
Nibip - uncle
Niye' - grandfather
Nits'iits - grandmother

Address for:
Mom is naa'
Aunt is daadaa
Uncle is bii'
Sister is diikw
Grandmother is Ts'iits
Grandfather is ye'
Cousin is o'os
Wek' - only male to male ( female would never use this to refer to their brother ever)

End of Lesson 37

T'yooyaxsi'y 'Niisi'm ( I thank all of you♥️)