| On the previous page we
learned that sometimes a new wilp splits off from an
older one. When this happens some of the names and
territories of the older wilp need to be given to the new
wilp. Because the adaawak
of each wilp records this split, everyone knows that the
new wilp used to be part of the older wilp. A wilp splits in two when it gets large enough to support two chiefs. This is an imprtant decision and everyone in the wilp has a right to be heard. People like to have a chief who is closely related to them. The chief of the older wilp does not mind if his wilp splits in two because the new wilp is "under" him. Not only does his own wilp need to support him but now the members of another wilp do, too. It is very important that both huwilp have enough members to support their sim'oogit when he hosts a feast. Other reasons for a wilp to split in two. Some times a serious disagreement between two high ranking members of a wilp might cause it to split in two. Sometimes a long famine or other terrible event caused a wilp to leave its home and journey to find new territory. Sometimes, part of a travelling wilp might find a home while the rest of the wilp kept moving. New Wilp/New Chief The names in a wilp are reanked in their order of importance. When a wilp splits in two, the second most important name of the old wilp often becomes the name of the chief in the new wilp. |
One example of a wilp which divided is that of the Gitwinaak'il Laxgibuu of Gitlaxt'aamiks. The three brothers were K'eexkw (the eldest), Gwingyoo (the next) and the Duuk' (the youngest). When the younger brothers moved, K'eexkw had Gwingyoo build his wilp on the left and Duuk' on the right. They then became know as the Gitwilnaak'il. Gitwilnaak'il translates as "sperarte but of one". |
See a slide show of ancient Nisga'a artifacts.
Nisga'a Treaty - This is where you can get the Nisga'a Treaty documentation.
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