Editing Nisga'a (section)

==Culture==

===Social Organization===
Nisga’a society is organized into four tribes:
* [[Ganhada]] (G̱anada, [[Raven]])
* [[Gisḵ’aast]] (Gisḵ’aast, [[Killer Whale]])
* [[Laxgibuu]] (Lax̱gibuu, [[Wolf]])
* [[Laxsgiik]] (Lax̱sgiik, [[Eagle]])

Each tribe is further sub-divided into house groups – extended families with the same origins. Some houses are grouped together into clans – grouping of houses with same ancestors. Example:
[[File:Nisgaa mask Louvre MH 81-22-1.jpg|thumb|Mask with open eyes, worn during winter {{lang|ncg|halait}} ceremonies, 18th–early 19th century]]
*Lax̱gibuu Tribe (Wolf Tribe)
** Gitwilnaak’il Clan (People Separated but of One)
*** House of Bax̱k'ap
*** House of K’eex̱kw
*** House of Gwingyoo
*** House of Duuḵ

===Traditional cuisine===
The Nisga’a traditionally harvest "sea food" all year round.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nationalgeographic.com/news/2015/07/150707-salvation-fish-canada-first-nations-animals-conservation-world/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191001204514/https://www.nationalgeographic.com/news/2015/07/150707-salvation-fish-canada-first-nations-animals-conservation-world/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=1 October 2019 |title='Salvation Fish' That Sustained Native People Now Needs Saving|date=7 July 2015|website=National Geographic News|language=en|access-date=28 April 2020}}</ref> This might include [[razor clam]]s, [[mussel]]s, [[oyster]]s, [[limpet]]s, [[scallop]]s, abalone, fish, seaweed and other seafood that can be harvested from the shore. They also harvest [[salmon]], [[cod]], [[char (fish)|char]], [[pike (fish)|pike]], trout and other freshwater fish from the streams, and hunt seals, fish and [[sea lion]]. The grease of the [[oolichan]] fish (''Thaleichthys pacificus'') is sometimes traded with other tribes, though nowadays this is more usually in a ceremonial context. They hunt mountain goat, [[marmot]], game birds and more in the forests. The family works together to cook and process the meat and fish, roasting or boiling the former. They eat fish and sea mammals in frozen, boiled, dried or roasted form. The heads of a type of cod, often gathered half-eaten by sharks, are boiled into a soup that, according to folklore, helps prevent colds. The Nisga′a also trade dried fish, seal oil, fish oil, blubber and cedar.{{citation needed|date=May 2018}}

===Traditional houses===
The traditional houses of the Nisga’a are shaped as large rectangles, made of cedar planks with cedar shake roofs, and oriented with the doors facing the water. The doors are usually decorated with the family crest. Inside, the floor is dug down to hold the hearth and conserve temperature. Beds and boxes of possessions are placed around the walls. Prior to the mid-twentieth century, around three or four extended families might live in one house; this is nowadays an uncommon practice. Masks and blankets might decorate the walls.{{citation needed|date=May 2018}}

=== Traditional clothing ===
Prior to European colonization, men wore nothing in the summer, normally the best time to hunt and fish. Women wore skirts made of softened cedar bark and went topless. During the colder season, men wore cedar bark skirts (shaped more like a loincloth), a cape of cedar bark, and a basket hat outside in the rain, but wore nothing inside the house. Women wore basket hats and cedar blankets indoors and outdoors. Both sexes made and wore shell and bone necklaces. They rubbed seal blubber into their hair, and men kept their hair long or in a top knot. During warfare, men wore red cedar armour, a cedar helmet, and cedar loincloths. They wielded spears, clubs, harpoons, bows and slings. Wicker shields were common.{{citation needed|date=May 2018}}

=== Calendar/life ===
The Nisga’a calendar revolves around harvesting of foods and goods used.<ref>[https://www.nisgaanation.ca/nisgaa-annual-cycle Nisga'a Annual Cycle] www.nisgaanation.ca accessed 28 August 2023</ref> The original year followed the various moons throughout the year.{{citation needed|date=May 2018}}
* {{lang|ncg|[[Hobiyee]]}}: Like a Spoon (February/March). This is the traditional time to celebrate the new year, also known as {{lang|ncg|Hoobiyee}}. (Variations of spelling include: {{lang|ncg|Hoobiyee, Hobiiyee, Hoobiiyee}})
* {{lang|ncg|X̱saak}}: To Eat [[Eulachon|Oolichan]] (March). The oolichan return to the Nass River the end of February/beginning of March. They are the first food harvested after the winter, which marks the beginning of the harvesting year.
* {{lang|ncg|Mmaal}}: To Use Canoes Again (April). The ice begins to break on the river, allowing for canoes to be used again
* {{lang|ncg|Yansa’alt}}: Leaves Are Blooming (May). The leaves begin to flourish once again
* {{lang|ncg|Miso’o}}: Sockeye Salmon (June). Sockeye salmon are harvested
* {{lang|ncg|X̱maay}}: To Eat Berries (July). various berries are harvested
* {{lang|ncg|Wii Hoon}}: Great Salmon (August). Great amounts of salmon are harvested
* {{lang|ncg|Genuugwiikw}}: Trail of the Marmot (September). Small game such as marmots are hunted
* {{lang|ncg|X̱laaxw}}: To Eat Trout (October). Trout are the main staple for this month
* {{lang|ncg|Gwilatkw}}: To Blanket (November). The earth is "Blanketed" with snow
* {{lang|ncg|Luut’aa}}: To Sit (December). The sun is sitting in one spot
* {{lang|ncg|Ḵ’aliiyee}}: To Walk North (January). This time of year, the sun begins to go north ({{lang|ncg|K’alii}}) again
* {{lang|ncg|Buxwlaks}}: To Blow Around (February). Blow around refers to the amount of wind during this time of year