Gitxsanimaax or Gitsenimx, is the language spoken by the Gitxsan
Nation. The economy of the Gitxsan peoples is largely based on
the salmon trade and other natural resources from their
territory; including oolichan grease, which was extensively
traded with neighboring peoples. The Gitxsan have always
asserted their right to their territory and have always held a
highly organized political and social system in both pre and
post-contact times. 1 Their territory encompasses 33,000 squared
km in Northwestern British Columbia, including the Skeena,
Babine, Bulkey and Kispiox rivers. 2 They are a matriarchal
society and lineage is traced through mothers’ houses. Houses,
or Wilps, belong to a clan; these would be the Lax Gibuu (Wolf),
Lax Siik (Eagle), Lax Seel/Ganeda (Frog), and the Giskaast
(Fireweed). Important social and political decisions are
sanctioned at the Liligit or the Feast Hall. 3 There is a large
collection of Robert E. Sebastian's print work in the University
of Victoria's Art collection, along with P