I support the idea of the joint degree.  ANY help untangling the maze is welcome: "Canada currently recognizes 618 First Nations, but not each of those groups has their own law system. There are 11 major native language groups in Canada and laws have evolved around language lines..."

About the totem pole erected "as a symbol of unity among four bands, Mr. Nicolson confesses “I didn’t really realize that totem pole was a form of legal agreement ..." Perhaps he doesn't realize that erected a pole is also a call to arms. Last month, G&M reported that, according to Burnaby Tsleil-Waututh Nation councillor Charlene Aleck a totem pole erected opposite Chevron's refinery "is not just a symbol ... it enshrines a commandment to this community to “warrior up” against Kinder Morgan."  It seems a totem pole may mean...just about anything at all.  

And by the 1880s, many potlatches, unfortunately, had become drunken parties. I'm happy that's changed for the better.