Tigwexhstehy’
Tigwexhstehy’ was an ancient Nakwaxda’xw winter village founded by Omal, the Raven Transformer, as he travelled through the territory transforming the myth people into animal form. Tigwexhstehy’ means “hanging at mouth” or “coming in sight at the mouth” and from the vantage point of a high cliff the Nakwaxda’xw kept watch over the entrance to Seymour Inlet and protected themselves from attacks by war parties from the north. During the winter months 200 people lived here in twelve big houses, moving to family owned resource sites throughout the territory during the rest of the year.
In 1888, Nakwaxda’xw Chief Maxwa said “We are not all of the same opinion as regards our land, some use one place some another. Each family has a place. We are not like white men they want land and trees, we want rivers and fishing grounds where we get our living. We visit them when the fish come and leave when the fish leave. The old men stay at home, the young ones seek food.” |
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Gwa'sala-'Nakwaxda'xw Nations
gwanaknations.ca |