Nisga'a Names

Most of us have first names, a second name and a last name. Our parents choose our first and second names for us. Sometimes they choose these names because the name reminds them of someone they like or admire. Other times parents choose names because the name has been "in the family" for many generations. This is why children often get the same name as a grandparent, aunt or uncle.

Nisga'a Name

Many Nisga'a also have a "Nisga'a name". These names, like a wilp's adaawak and fishing territories, are private property. No other wilp or pdeek can use them.

Each wilp Nisga'a name has a meaning and gives that person a special place in the wilp. For example, the name of the cief in Hlbinim Wilp is Hleek. He is given the name when he becomes chief of that wilp. The fact that the chief always has the same name stresses the importance of the history of the wilp.

Yukw

The Sim'oogit and the Sigidim Hanak' have important roles in their wilp. Much of the work of the wilp can not be done without them. When the chief or the matriarch dies someone else must be given their name. The name is passed on at a special feast called a Yukw. Other names are passed on at the same time. The yukw shows that all these names belong to the wilp.

The passing on of a name

By the time a man receives a Sim'oogit name he will already hav had at least three other Nisga'a names. Because he only needs one name he will pass on the Nisga'a name he already has to the next in line in his wilp. This other person will pass his name to his next in line, and so on. In thsi way, many names might be passed on at the Naming Ceremony during a Yukw.