ABSTRACT

Background and Context ........................................................................................ 211 Methodology .......................................................................................................... 213 Traditional Subsistence Culture ............................................................................. 213 Sociocultural History ............................................................................................. 214 Qualitative Findings ............................................................................................... 216 Conclusion ............................................................................................................. 221 Postscript ................................................................................................................ 222 References .............................................................................................................. 222

persevered and flourished several millennia prior to Western contact (Drucker 1955). “Subsistence” has a negative connotation among Canada’s First Nations, implying that one is “just eking out a life.” Yet, it also describes a rich, resilient culture with intricate social structures and processes. These cultural traditions define the Gitga’at People, particularly those residing in the traditional village of Hartley Bay.