Tuesday, 7 January 2014

Days: 1/2

Nit!  From the middle of nowhere, BC – Gitwinksihlkw.

My name is Phil, and I have travelled to this flourishing village of merely 200 people in the Nisga’a region of British Columbia.

Let’s start off with some simple facts about this beautiful place:

·      Exactly 103 kilometres from Terrace, BC.  It’s in the North West from Terrace, and Terrace is the closest city for the people to commute to.
·      Only 5% of the people speak the traditional Nisga’a language, and I’m very thankful to be living in the same place as the teacher at the campus.
·      Around 24-32 / 200 people in Gitwinksihlkw have some form of higher-level education, wherever this would mean a degree, bachelor, masters or doctorate.  This was because when the people, (such as Irene, who I’m staying with) when they were younger, were drilled in their brains that they had to compete against the K’amksiiwaa (White people) if they wanted to defend for their land (major issue).  Education was becoming more relevant and accessible, so they were encouraged and many of them had succeeded. 
·      Relating to the last fact, some people are unemployed, only because they choose to be.  I have heard briefly that there are jobs for people on this community, or they can get assistance to help with the process.
·      Alcohol abuse is almost non-existent in this community.
·      Nisga’a people have at maximum 16 permits that they are required to carry with them if they fish, look for mushrooms, and so.
·      Plant knowledge is still being carried down by generation.
·      No cell service in the entire village.  This is coming down in May, when I leave.

This is what I’ve learned from one day of being here.  It’s pretty amazing when you don't have to rely on the Internet for anything, and you can open your ears to some amazing stories.  I’ve learned some basic words so far, and I’m hoping to be able to become enriched in the language a bit more soon, while working on my Spanish.

What I’m striving for by the end of this trip (New year’s resolutions?)
·      To be less reliant on the use of the Internet, or to better manage my time:  Facebook, twitter, etc.  I don’t wish to as dependant, and I want to change that. 
·      Learn to play the Ocarina
·      To read more for pleasure, and to expand my mind.
·      To have a decent knowledge of tarot cards.
·      Actually be able to understand basic linguistics, and enhance that knowledge in the future.
·      Basic conversational skills in both Nisga’a and Spanish.
·      Be able to write in basic Hiragana, Cyrillic and a few other languages, with understanding of what each character means.
·      To be happy in my own company.

My first day was spent in Terrace.  Because of roads, I came into Terrace an hour and a half late.  This was perfectly fine.  I was allowed to leave my stuff in Greyhound until 5pm that night.  I walked around the town, grabbed my rent, a pair of gloves (left them in the bag), and spent about two hours in Xavier’s Coffee house, to charge my phone.  Had some lunch at the Bear Paw, and checked out the mall, that I felt already acquainted with, strangely enough.  I walked around, and I had spotted at least four different First Nations’ populations around the area – Haisla, Tsimsham, Nisga’a and Gitxsan.  Similar to Williams’ Lake, it was comforting to see so many nations, although they don’t work as much on their hoodie designs.  Big, bold letters on the hoodies, it made me giggle a little.
            The food situation is pretty decent.  With buying food, the prices aren't too expensive, if not on par with the south.  This being said, there’s not too bad of a selection of fast food places that I’m happy to have when I decide to visit the city.  The only selection for ‘foreign foods’ that I can see is Sushi.  Although there’s a place that sells chocolate and a bakery… The Safeway makes Napoleons, and that made my mouth water.
            People are friendly in Terrace.  I’ve noticed some alternative people such as myself.  I’ve also noticed that no one gives a second eye if you have piercings, although this one girl was simply amazed that I have a dermal in my forehead.  Unfortunately, the only time she had decided to talk about that was in the middle of my lunch…  The guy at the greyhound had let me keep my luggage there for many hours, and the man was adorable and quite friendly.  Told me how to get downtown, and just gave me a good introduction to the city.  Thanks man, you’re awesome.  I am still led to believe that there are more than 22% First Nations’ in the town.
            The city has a mountain town feel without it being a mountain town.  Terrace has a few unique stores, although none of them are really gift stores.  The one idea that makes me laugh the most is there’s a liquor store right next to the nightclub.  Good idea, Terrace.  Bear paws are EVERYWHERE on the grounds.  They’re blue and I find them adorable. The bear statues are also found in a few places.  I’ll take pictures.

Getting to Gitwinksihlkw was interesting.  Had received a lift with Perry who had met me outside of Save On about 7pm.  Had an interesting time talking to each other, although he’s a sweet old man.  I fell asleep on the trip back.  It was a very quiet trip with five of us in the van.  Him, two women, an adorable little boy named Benjamin and myself.  It cost $20 for the ride that I’ll get for him on Monday and it was a pleasure.  Although, the ride was silent, I had learned about a few small things from observing.

Made it to Irene’s at 9pm.  It was good finally meeting her after speaking on the phone four times.  I went to bed after showering and putting all my things away, and I had explained that I hadn’t slept in two days.  She understood, although I did spend some time before sleeping.  Stayed up for a few minutes to be introduced to the place and the two dogs that are adorable. (Also the cat who’s never home…) 
Woke up, and had chatted to Irene for a few hours.  She showed me a few books that were quite interesting.  Four books: one of a dictionary, one on Nisga’a phrases, land and plant usage, and one about Irene herself.  I have a feeling the food here is going to be excellent, although my body needs to get used to it.  Breakfast was homemade brown bread toasted with blueberry and rhubarb jam.  Dinner was turkey chow-mien with pumpkin cheesecake for desert.  I’m okay gaining a few pounds if you guys don’t mind a tubbier Phil.
            I walked around the village briefly.  Had nothing exciting happen.  I had seen where some of the main sites were, and there was ice everywhere.  Was a quick walk, and was becoming dark – didn’t want to risk slipping.  Came back inside, and I met the beginning of Irene’s family.  Irene has cute grandkids, and a really nice daughter.

I’m going to sleep after this, but I’ve learned two things already.  I started to read and for the first time last night, I had prayed before bed.  That’s never happened. 

I haven’t felt any spirits yet, but I feel this is going to be a very spiritual journey. 
Blessed be. 

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