On the Skeena River, a Gitxsan Fish Camp Connects Children and Culture

Story and photos by Stephen Hui

“As soon as the boat comes across the river, all the kids come running. So, they know their roles, and that is to help take the fish off the boat, string the fish onto long ropes, and carry them along the river. We usually have an anchor right about here,” Simoogit Sḵa’yan (Anita Davis) says on the left bank of Xsi’yeen (Skeena River).

Sḵa’yan is the president of Lax Skiik Connection Society, and we’re visiting the Ts’eliksit Language and Culture Camp that she runs with help from her daughters (artist Jaimie Davis and author Shawna Davis) and staff.

Located at a Lax Skiik (Eagle Clan) fishing ground at Ts’eliksit (“plenty of whirlpools”) in Gitwangat Laxyip, the camp welcomes Gitxsan kids every summer, immersing them in Gitxsan cultural knowledge and practices.

“One of the first things we teach them is to respect the salmon,” Sḵa’yan says. “The salmon has a spirit, and you’re not to disrespect it. Whatever you do to any animal will happen to you.”

Sḵa’yan is proud of her people’s resilience and passionate about revitalizing Gitxsanimx (Simalgyax), the language. She showed us the camp’s smokehouse and cabins — and told us how she thrifted and salvaged materials to build them.

With no Wi-Fi at the camp, the kids are better able to connect with the fish, trees, and rocks over a two-week stay.

“It’s a place to come and heal as well,” Sḵa’yan says. “There are days where I’m feeling down. I come down to the river, and I just watch the river flow.”

Lax Skiik Connection Society received support from the Real Estate Foundation of BC for the Ts’eliksit Language and Culture Camp through our Indigenous Grant Stream, which is directed by REFBC’s Indigenous Community Leaders Circle.

We thank Sḵa’yan and her family for hosting us and for the vital work they are doing.