Balhats

1. Balhats

2. In conversation with Ruby Dominic… Dakelh perspective

3. Clan system • Everyone belongs to a clan • The clan system is matrilineal – that is, passed on through the woman • You are the clan of your mother - matrilineal • When Europeans came, they only understood the patrilineal system and forced First Nations to switch in some key areas

4. Clan and Keyoh • Keyoh is a Dakelh word meaning "Family Territory". It may be translated as "where we make our living". (From Wikipedia) • Land stays in the clan • People are not allowed to intermarry within a clan – they have to marry out • This keeps the bloodlines strong • Hereditary chiefs and names are passed on through the family • Noblemen and noblewomen can earn that title and be given it at a Balhats, or it could also be handed down in a family through a Balhats

5. 8 reasons to hold a Bahlats • Death • Birth • Name giving (passing down a hereditary name) • Noblemen and Noblewomen (Deneza and Tse’keza) • Switching clans • Paying off debt • Justice • Land – to renew and remind about land ownership (not sure about this one…) • Widow/Widower • This has to do with governance – how society is governed or managed –key to understanding the importance of the Balhats

6. As well as GOVERNANCE, the idea of the Balhats is WITNESSING and SUPPORTING • Witnessing means to be there to watch something happen • Sometimes this was to honour someone passing • Sometimes it was to be there to watch someone pay off a debt • Sometimes it was to shame someone who had done something wrong • The idea is that the community comes together so that everyone knows what is happening and to reinforce proper behaviour • Another idea is that the Balhats is there to provide support in a time of need.

7. Some aspects of the Balhats • Your stature rises (your importance in the community) the more you give at a Balhats • Every part of the Balhats is hired out – cooks, drivers

8. Justice… an example • Let’s say Bob of the Frog Clan causes a fight with Dan of the Beaver Clan • I know these are English names, but hey, that’s all I got for now • Remember, it’s Bob’s fault • Still, it takes two to create a fight, so both are really to blame • That same day, the Deneza or Tse’keza of the Frog clan would would go to the nobleperson of the Beaver clan to make it right

9. A Balhats would be held the next day • Bob would have to give Dan all his best things at the Balhats • Horses, slaves, prized possessions • It is not over yet • The next day, Dan has to hold a Balhats • He gives Bob all his prized possessions • Now they have each other’s stuff, and every time they look around their home they are shamed by the deeds they both committed

10. Everyone has been shamed… • Everybody in both clans • The two perpetrators (perps – heard that one on TV?) • Now, how likely is it that anyone will cause trouble considering how devastating the consequences are? • This is all about being responsible for your behaviour and taking the consequences when you mess up

11. What if the crime is murder or rape? • In this case, the perpetrator of these terrible crimes is banished (sent away) from the Nation • The Noblewoman of the person’s clan would do the banishing • Banishing in this climate means a very slow, but very certain death • Survival depends on many working together • Also, the land belonged to the clans, and if a person is banished, they can no longer use the land • Now they are sneaking around trying to gather resources to survive, plus create a shelter where you won’t run into anyone, plus survive the winter….