This thesis is an auto-ethnographic description of my life as GalksiGabin, Andrew Robinson, a proud member of the Nisga'a Nation who has grown up during extremely monumental and influential times for Nisga'a people. Not only have my people been witness to the first Comprehensive Land Claim settlement in British Columbia's history, but we have found the ways and strength to make our traditional lives and Ayuukhl (laws) work with the Canadian State. Within this work, I describe the importance and foundation of our existence as Nisga'a. This includes: geography and culture, social organization and language, and finally, Nisga'a governance. By beginning each of my chapters with a story, I honour the integrity of the oral society I am born from, while placing each of my ethnographical headings in a context that is appropriate to the chapter. In discussing geography and culture, one will find my elaboration on the Nisga'a lands that I come from and the intricate relationship those lands have with dictating much of our social system. In my chapter on social organization and language, the reader will get a glimpse into how the Nisga'a social system is dependent on the sustainability of a society that has been in place for thousands of years. Finally, in regards to governance, I discuss the infamous Nisga'a Treaty and its new-found, interrelated relationship with the Nisga'a Ayuukhl (laws) that have governed our Nation since time immemorial. Throughout the thesis, I have utilized my language where it is necessary and appropriate in order to bring forward that this thesis represents a world view that Nisga'a people call Sayt K'ilim Goot (Of One Heart). Writing this thesis has given me an opportunity to revisit the foundations of my world view and reminded me of the testimony of the Elders I grew up with who taught me their wisdom. For this I am grateful, and even more proud to know the sacredness I have been blessed with in my life. I am honoured to share my story with you. T'yooyak'siy niin. --P.iii.
This project will present a conceptual analysis of the integrity of the Nisga'a Nation's cultural system. In addition, Werner Erhard, Michael Jensen, & Steve Zaffron's theory on integrity will form the foundation of the conceptual analysis their research on integrity is highly regarded, phenomenal, and brand-new. The analysis will focus on significant components of Nisga'a culture using: books, articles, and testimonials that support the structural integrity of the nation as identified by the Nisga'a and examples of some significant recollections throughout their history (and of the author of this project) that affirm the existence and importance of integrity within the nation. This project is not meant to represent all that exists within the Nisga'a system but only to spur future research on something as simple as honoring our word or more importantly how the Nisga'a honor their word since time immemorial. --Leaf iii.
