Introduction

Archaeological Excavation

Tsimshian Society and Culture

Shamanism
Trade
Warfare
Wealth and Rank
Men's Activities
Women's Activities

Tsimshian Villages

Tsimshian Society and Culture

Language

The Tsimshian language family is divided into four dialect groups: Northern Tsimshian (spoken along the lower Skeena River and the coast as far as Alaska); Southern Tsimshian (south of the Skeena River, on the coast); Gitksan (upper Skeena River); and Nisga'a (Nass River).

Tribes

At the moment of contact with Europeans, there were ten tribes living in the Prince Rupert Harbour and Kitselas Canyon. They all originated on the north coast of British Columbia or in Alaska and followed a series of migrations that led them to the Prince Rupert Harbour and the surrounding territories, which they shared. All were independent, but strategic alliances were often achieved through arranged marriages.
 
 

Credits