Kwakwaka'wakw

Great page. Please keep it up and up-to-date! :-)...

2008-11-13T15:36:00.000-08:00

Great page. Please keep it up and up-to-date! :-)

This is significant to us in that each nuyam(namim...

2008-09-22T09:15:00.000-07:00

This is significant to us in that each nuyam(namima) would have had their own territorial rights to trapping and harvesting within our combined tribal territory. Unfortunately, there is still alot of work to be done before we could definitively say where exactly everyone did what. However, the good news is that this information does exist and it is possible to reconstruct. In my own opinion it would be inadvisable to sign a landclaim with the Government before confirming this type of information. anyways...) ie. the Gigalgam family group would have traveled to certain localities within Kingcome Inlet and the adjacent Broughton Archipelago to harvest and then rejoined their affiliated Dzawada'enuxw family groups at other times of the year. A complex system when it comes to land title rights but one that should not be overlooked. Research indicates these rights were highly regarded and protected from encroachment by others.

You are right that most discussions about economic...

2008-08-03T13:58:00.000-07:00

You are right that most discussions about economic development comes from those who wish to better imitate capitalist "success" through more jobs (majority of which exploit our depleted natural resources), less taxes (which we should not be participating in) and less government involvement in their lives (when no outside government should have a higher say other than our own). I understand your adverse reaction to the loaded term economic development itself, which is why I wanted to explore it further and not shy away because of its potential to lead us down the wrong path. As it stands now, it seems to me that economic development cannot and will not be counteracted through alternative means of wealth distribution without some paradigmatic shift in thinking amongst us and while I completely agree with stepping back from the current consumerist economics, this will not happen over night. Capitalist exploitation is one of the main driver's of our colonization and it must be challenged and its negative influences completely destroyed. But up to and including this shift of resources, our fridges will be filled with imported foods, gas tanks will need to be filled and the gradual move to a more sustainable traditional understanding of our economics as Kwakwaka'wakw will present many difficult changes along the way that will have to be carried by all.

Say the goal is to explore wealth creation - which I would say can be encompassed by economic development - can we completely turn away from Canada's insidious economic trade system? If so, how? The term eco-dev - I want to explore as well. I dare to use Western terms because it is a language that is little understood but utilized frequently by those who currently hold power in Band politics. Another aspect of us returning to traditional ways is to address the inequalities inherent in the band system currently and in any future Kwakwaka'wakw governance. Economic development has a negative connotation amongst Indigenous revolutionaries because it seems to be more of the same. Trading one system of exploitation for another, in which we are the ones exploiting, does not seem to solve any of our current problems and it I would argue that it definitely does not. But is that what economic development means? Do we have to continue our struggle through the creation of an unending number of new terms or can we take the most general of phrases - eco-dev - and make it our own?

If we had a more isolated position away from the consumerist culture I would be more confident in a smooth transition, but the fact of the matter is that our non-kwak neighbours with their influential means of capitalism are here to stay and will need to be addressed. I would say we are nurturing a revival of our ways through potlatch and other cultural events. This is the old way of economics that in many ways is still is very relevant to our current circumstances and provides the perfect pathway to realizing a more traditional economy. This being said, we have to acknowledge that not all of our people subscribe to the potlatch. Another thought is that when the wage economy became the norm in the early 1900s, potlatching increased dramatically and those that had more money, were able to achieve higher ranks. On the one hand this could have the impact of focusing more on the wage economy and other exploitative practices than the overall betterment of all members and on the other, it could result in the overall distribution of wealth among our members through the potlatch system itself. These are a few of the many things that we have to consider and I want to look into more.

As it pertains to Treaty, one of the central thrusts and arguments from chief and some council members of completing this negotiation as soon as possible is the economic benefits that it may present our members through jobs and perhaps a payout. Of course the longer we take, the more in lawyer's fees and debt repayment we will have to give - yet another unjust part negotiating with Canada's governments. I want to challenge our people to create wealth and share it primarily amongst ourselves at every opportunity. Our unity has always been our greatest asset to Kwakwaka'wakw identity. Through this shift in thinking I believe the communal understanding of what economic development means to us and how we can utilize our wealth to further strengthen our culture will be realized.

I look forward to your thoughts when you get more time, my friend. Especially considering you have been wrapped in our culture these past weeks.

I could say more, but I'm on the run and have very...

2008-08-02T16:55:00.000-07:00

I could say more, but I'm on the run and have very little time.

The question should nt be poised of "eco-dev", but of wealth creation. Wealth distrobutions is easy. It is written in the laws of our ancestors. "It is a good law", right? haha

Most of the discussions around economic development have come from colonizers or indians who are colonized. I think wealth creation, not just in monetary means, but all kinds of wealth, both concepts from anceient times and new forms of wealth, must be nurtured and created.

Like I said, more can be said on my part. But the trading of DIA to Economic development is a odd trade. After being home for a bit too, I have more thoughts on this.

Yo John Bass,The Kwixa, or as it is in Ford's book...

2008-07-10T19:14:00.000-07:00

Yo John Bass,

The Kwixa, or as it is in Ford's book "Kweka, or murderers," were the first clan of the second tribe of the Kwagu'l nations (16). His chieftainship Owadalagalis came from this noble lineage. I am not sure what you mean by 'Kwaghul family', as they are made up of several clans - even within the "True Kwakiutl" tribe. Either way, Thomas and Charley Nowell's lineage derives from Kwagu'l blood through their father's side (41).

He'am (That is all).

I have a minor point of correction to make to your...

2008-07-07T14:17:00.000-07:00

I have a minor point of correction to make to your review of Ford's book, which is, I agree, about as good as it gets in many respects. Nowell often describes clan as part of the Kweeha family, and not, as you twice write, as part of the Kwaghul family.

Bravo! I really enjoyed reading this.

2008-01-27T17:29:00.000-08:00

Bravo! I really enjoyed reading this.

Dear Coffee Spiller,I want to first thank you for ...

2007-11-09T21:48:00.000-08:00

Dear Coffee Spiller,
I want to first thank you for taking the time. You raised several concerns with my treaty stance from a Canadian point of view.

You said:
“You’re right on that point, but I don’t know why you brought race into the equation. The management of natural resources has global impact, not confined to race, creed, or religion.”

Race has much to do with the equation both historically and currently. Historically because the settlers who claimed control over fisheries mismanaged and now chose to restrict Indigenous fishery rights (racially) through legislation and license grants and currently because the vast majority of people in power at DFO are Euro-Canadian. It is reality, a truth that is undeniable. I believe you are mistaken in your assertion that it is not confined to race. Rather it is the ramifications of this mismanagement that has global consequences on us all and it is this that cannot be confined to race, creed or religion.

You said:
“Do you have any proof to back that up, or just assumptions? Sounds to me that you are envisioning some evil, faceless government man behind a desk in Victoria plotting the destruction of indigenous peoples in BC. That’s most likely not the case- governments aren’t that clever (or malicious). You must remember that the government is negotiating with the people that purport to negotiate with your nation- they cannot bypass them.”

Discriminatory treaty policies are aimed at making Indigenous peoples Canadian – or assimilated - so that the Government of Canada can finally be rid of the Indian problem. The problem is structural. Canada is a colonial state that was built on stolen land and lies. The foundation of this country was built on top of other peoples’ resources and livelihoods. It only makes sense that for Canada to continue to exist as a state, the system and the people working for it have to perpetuate these injustices to Indigenous peoples. Directly or indirectly, malicious or naive, it matters not when Indigenous peoples pay the dire consequences either way. The so called negotiations are structured so the dominance remains with Canada and BC. High debt loads, unjust negotiation frameworks and a campaign to discredit people who oppose or see problems with the BC treaty process are all examples of this. The people that are negotiating (band chief and council) are employed and paid by the very people that are trying to take 90% of our traditional territories through these processes. The band system itself is also built on a faulty foundation (Indian Act) and this imposed system of so-called ‘democracy’ has little value to the people it is supposed to serve. The system breeds corruption and needs replacement through a return to traditional forms of democracy. In fact Canada should have no say over how First Nations decide to live their lives. Imagine if the United States demanded that we acted more American because their way of doing things is better.

You said:
“Ugh, religion. I don’t think it can possibly bring anything positive to this discussion.”

I do not apologize for being grateful to my creation and all of that around me, yourself included. Although I would not classify my spirituality as a religion in the way you view it, I do believe in a higher purpose and power. I have no dominion over nature or my fellow man. I can only lead by example and live a good life respecting the balance of our world. This is rooted in my Indigenous culture which is not separable from politics or governance simply because it is the reason for politics and governance. A democracy that possesses respect for all beings of this world instead of that of a simple majority of the most powerful class within a grouping of peoples – I know which I prefer. I would also ask you to take a step out of your upbringing and look through an Indigenous lens, to view my position in the perspective in which I see the world. I believe this is a good first step for most Canadians in the quest for justice for the original inhabitants of these lands.

You said:
“I think you’re reading more evil into this than is warranted. The motivation of governments to negotiate treaty comes from where every government’s motivation lies- pleasing the voter. The ‘average’ Canadian voter recognises the unjust treatment of indigenous peoples since the British and French first arrived in North America. The voter does not want indigenous peoples to remain trapped in the low end of the socio-economic bracket. The voter wants equality, justice and opportunity for everyone. Canadians are a smart, caring and compassionate people- all those white, brown, yellow and black faces all want the best for their neighbours, friends and co-workers, not matter what their lineage. The governments want one thing above all else- announcements and good news. That’s how they get re-elected, that’s how they keep their jobs. If they want a treaty, they want it so they can claim it as an accomplishment. “

I completely agree with you. The government of Canada is only about pleasing the direct interests of the people who vote, or may vote, for them. The problem is that this means for true justice to happen, these same voters would have to question their inherent privilege found in being a citizen of this country. Canadians are concerned with GST percentages and the price of books. What happened in response to the $5B that was in the works for years before the Liberals rushed it out to use as part of their platform. The Conservatives shelved it and there were no protests or pressure to implement it by the compassionate Canadian public. Meanwhile the federal government is left with multi-billion dollar surpluses year after year. This is the reality of Canadian priorities.
Most people in this world are smart, caring and compassionate people, but you ask Canadians if they would be willing to give back the stolen land, address social issues by transferring the appropriate amounts of funds to First Nations, or find work elsewhere because the exploitation of our lands must be sustainable for its direct decedents and you will be hard pressed to find a willing voter to cast a ballot in support regardless of how just it would be. It is easy to say that Canadians are the most generous and nice people on the planet and that they want justice for Indigenous peoples, but talk is cheap and my people have had nothing but.

You said:
“While I understand and support your position, what I draw from it above all else is that the people negotiating on your behalf are not doing an adequate job of it. If you truly do seek progression and an equitable deal for your people, I would advise you above all else to maintain a mindset that does not involve inherent conflict. It is in the best interest of all Canadians to seek equitable resolution, regardless of ancestry.”

Translation: I am a nice Canadian and although I support your disagreement with the Canadian state in principle, do not do anything that will disrupt the status quo or my privileged position.

Part of the problem is that Canadians will not address these injustices yet will sell themselves abroad as the bringer of human rights. No where else in the world could a country get away with third world conditions in its backyard while criticizing other states of their human rights abuses.
All I can say is that you need to truly analyze the position you hold in society by taking a step back and trying to understand why Indigenous people suffer so much, with no sight of it changing, and question the ways you perpetuate it – even if it happens to be indirectly. I understand that this is a tough one to look in the face, but if you want the equitable justice you speak of I would advise starting with yourself, and this goes for all of us.

"Canadians are here to stay, but they are visitors...

2007-10-30T12:26:00.000-07:00

"Canadians are here to stay, but they are visitors."

I hope you don't believe that. It has a tone of superiority that is unlike you.

This is my land, too. I was born here, as were my parents and grand parents. My friends and family call this land home. I love its forests, plains, oceans and creatures. When I die, my ashes will be spread here.

The color of my skin is different than yours. My ancestry is different. That does not make this place any less my home.

Skin pigment has been used far too often by far too many people to separate and classify humans.

As a continuation of my above comment- “The manage...

2007-10-30T12:17:00.000-07:00

As a continuation of my above comment-

“The management of the white 'authorities' has so far been proven to be a complete and utter failure. We can and must do better.”

You’re right on that point, but I don’t know why you brought race into the equation. The management of natural resources has global impact, not confined to race, creed, or religion.

“elitist, backdoor negotiating policy that the BC Government is trying to facilitate with willing bands”

Do you have any proof to back that up, or just assumptions? Sounds to me that you are envisioning some evil, faceless government man behind a desk in Victoria plotting the destruction of indigenous peoples in BC. That’s most likely not the case- governments aren’t that clever (or malicious). You must remember that the government is negotiating with the people that purport to negotiate with your nation- they cannot bypass them.

“We are talking about the rights to our own resources and lands that the Creator gave US at the beginning of time, NOT the colonial government.”

Ugh, religion. I don’t think it can possibly bring anything positive to this discussion.

“It becomes obvious that they are trying to buy the surrender of our lands through short term payments so that they can start privatizing our lands, selling it off and start the taxation of First Nations.”

I think you’re reading more evil into this than is warranted. The motivation of governments to negotiate treaty comes from where every government’s motivation lies- pleasing the voter. The ‘average’ Canadian voter recognises the unjust treatment of indigenous peoples since the British and French first arrived in North America. The voter does not want indigenous peoples to remain trapped in the low end of the socio-economic bracket. The voter wants equality, justice and opportunity for everyone. Canadians are a smart, caring and compassionate people- all those white, brown, yellow and black faces all want the best for their neighbours, friends and co-workers, not matter what their lineage. The governments want one thing above all else- announcements and good news. That’s how they get re-elected, that’s how they keep their jobs. If they want a treaty, they want it so they can claim it as an accomplishment.

While I understand and support your position, what I draw from it above all else is that the people negotiating on your behalf are not doing an adequate job of it. If you truly do seek progression and an equitable deal for your people, I would advise you above all else to maintain a mindset that does not involve inherent conflict. It is in the best interest of all Canadians to seek equitable resolution, regardless of ancestry.

So, what do you see as a viable solution then? Is ...

2007-10-30T11:38:00.000-07:00

So, what do you see as a viable solution then? Is there a bettter, more equitable process that will arrive at a viable, benificial resolution?

Good one!How anyone can be stupid enough to be pro...

2007-09-20T00:00:00.000-07:00

Good one!

How anyone can be stupid enough to be pro-treaty just baffles me. It doesn't take a radical/revolutionary or whatever to see plain facts of the Treaty Process.

WAY TO GO !IF I WORE A HAT I WOULD TAKE IT OFF FOR...

2007-09-19T21:28:00.000-07:00

WAY TO GO !IF I WORE A HAT I WOULD TAKE IT OFF FOR YOU KWAKWAKKA'WAKW.
STAND UP AND BE COUNTED SAY NO TO THE WHITE PAPER POLICY TREATY .
THE GOVERNEMENT KNOWS WE OWN THE LAND BUT DO WE KNOW THAT???
WHY DO YOU THINK THE GOVERMENT OFFERED THE ELDERS $15000,OO, TO BUY US OFF, OF COURSE.
NISGA'A OWNED 100% OF THEIR LAND AND SETTLED FOR A MEASLY 8%,JUST SO WE CAN PAY TAXES ON THE LAND WE ONCE OWNED.
NOW WE HAVE LIMITED FISHING ,MOOSE HUNTING ECT. OUR ABORIGNAL TITLE AND LANDS WERE SURRENDERD WITHOUT OUR CONSENT.WHAT NEXT?
WE HAD MORE FREEDOM BEFORE THIS FIRST MODERN DAY TREATY WAS SIGNED.
BUT THEY SETTLED TO MAKE LAWS, HAVE OUR OWN FLAGS AND MAKE DRUMS.

Thanks for your feedback William. I remember you ...

2007-07-31T15:03:00.000-07:00

Thanks for your feedback William.

I remember you saying that it is the oldest line that is the reincarnation of the first ancestor. According to Charles, when his brother died he was to take his place (pg 218). I have to consider that this was during the time when disease had decimated our populations and there were not enough people to fill in the positions and women were placed to hold positions for their male children. My interpretation is that Owadi would have known that the eldest male lineage would be returned in the future when our clan regained its strength and until such a time placed Charles there to hold in stewardship.

The book says also says that Tlakwudlas was the chief of the second clan of the 'Namgis (pg 41). According to the Harris family history (among others), Tlakwudlas holds the highest position in the 'Namgis clan. I just wanted to put this forward for the record.

I look forward to our next visit.

this was one of my favorite books, a lot of good k...

2007-07-18T11:30:00.000-07:00

this was one of my favorite books, a lot of good kwak cultural information. owadalagalis "owadi" was the oldest brother and the younger brother charlie says his brother gave him the position of head kwixa? i am unsure of this. in our traditions when the younger branch holds a chieftainship for the elder line, when a male reappears in the oldest lineage, it is put back because we believe the creator sends the oldest back and is a reincarnation of the first ancestor (every oldest birthright from the first ancestor is the first ancestor coming back each generation). as for tlakwudlas, that is the line i come from as well. i will get the tree to you sometime, that is a huge family. good review. i will talk to you when you come home. later joseph, william

Yes.The facade of negotiations pays well. Baby nee...

2007-07-17T22:09:00.000-07:00

Yes.

The facade of negotiations pays well. Baby needs a new pair of shoes.

Hey closet blogger! When were you gonna tell me about this lil gem of indigenous intellectual wizardry?

W