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Tsimshian

The Tsimshian are an indigenous people who traditionally inhabited the Pacific Northwest Coast of North America, primarily in what is now British Columbia and Alaska. They are one of the largest and most prominent groups of the Tlingit to Rumsen peoples.

The Tsimshian are known for their expertise in marine mammal hunting, particularly in whaling and sealing,

Their traditional society was organized into a series of house groups, each composed of multiple families and

Today, numerous communities around the world claim Tsimshian heritage, including those within Canada, the United States,

The Tsimshian language belongs to the Tlingit branch of the Athabaskan language family, which is spread throughout

as
well
as
their
fishing
and
gathering
skills.
Their
traditional
diet
consisted
mainly
of
fish,
such
as
salmon
and
halibut,
as
well
as
sea
mammals
like
sea
lions
and
whales.
The
Tsimshian
also
placed
a
strong
emphasis
on
trade
and
commerce,
with
a
robust
network
of
exchange
and
cooperation
with
other
coastal
groups.
principle
leaders.
These
house
groups
were
responsible
for
a
range
of
tasks,
from
governance
and
decision-making
to
economic
activity
and
spiritual
practices.
The
Tsimshian
also
had
a
complex
system
of
clans
and
kinship
ties,
with
multiple
loyalties
and
obligations.
and
Australia.
Some
notable
communities
include
the
GITSwaayeh
(Tsimshian
Nation)
in
British
Columbia
and
the
Central
Council
of
the
Tlingit
Indian
Tribe
in
Alaska.
Governments
and
organizations
are
working
to
support
revitalization
and
preservation
of
Tsimshian
languages,
cultures,
and
traditions.
various
regional
dialects.
Musical
and
artistic
traditions
continue
to
play
a
vital
role
in
Tsimshian
culture,
with
an
emphasis
on
storytelling,
whaling,
carving,
and
weaving.
The
legacy
and
spirit
of
the
Tsimshian
remain
rich
and
resilient,
embracing
modern
developments
and
promising
a
bright
future
for
their
descendants.