'Hang Onto These Words': Johnny David's Delgamuukw Evidence

by Antonia Mills (Editor)

Overview

In 1985 and 1986, ninety-year-old Witsuwit'en Chief, Maxlaxlex – or Johnny David as he is better known - was the first Witsuwit'en to give Commission Evidence in the Delgamuukw land claims case in which the Witsuwit'en and Gitxsan of Northern British Columbia were battling for title to their traditional territories.

'Hang Onto These Words' presents the actual transcripts of the questions and answers between lawyers working on both sides and this knowledgeable and outspoken Native elder who spoke in his own language and whose words were then translated by an interpreter into English. The evidence was given in a makeshift courtroom set up in David's own home. Anthropologist Antonia Mills was present during these proceedings, and in this book, she introduces and contextualizes the evidence within the Delgamuukw case.

In his testimony, David provides a rich description of the Witsuwit'en way of life as well as the injustices suffered at the hands of Indian agents and settlers. He ends his testimony saying, "If you hang on to these words, everything will be all right." The challenge of hearing his voice, and using it to negotiate the meaning and substance of Aboriginal rights remains unresolved and resonant.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781442655485
Publisher:	University of Toronto Press
Publication date:	12/24/2005
Series:	Heritage
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
File size:	8 MB

About the Author

Antonia Mills is an associate professor in the First Nations Studies Program at the University of Northern British Columbia.

Table of Contents

Foreword
HAGWILNEGHL /RONALD A. MITCHELL

Foreword
MISALOS / VICTOR JIM

Foreword
MICHAEL JACKSON

Acknowledgments

Introduction
ANTONIA MILLS

The Commission Evidence of Witsuwit’en Chief Maxlaxlex / Johnny David

VOLUME 1: Direct Examination of Johnny David by Peter Grant, 20 September 1985

VOLUME 2: Direct Examination of Johnny David by Peter Grant, 26–7 September 1985

VOLUME 3: Direct Examination of Johnny David by Peter Grant, 17–19 October 1985

VOLUME 4: Direct Examination of Johnny David by Peter Grant, 19–20 December 1985

VOLUME 5: Direct Examination of Johnny David by Peter Grant, 29–31 January 1986

VOLUME 6: Cross-Examination of Johnny David by John Milne, 24–5 February 1986

VOLUME 7: Cross-Examination of Johnny David by John Milne, 21–2 April 1986

VOLUME 8: Cross-Examination of Johnny David by John Milne, 28 April 1986

Redirect Examination of Johnny David by Peter Grant, 29 April 1986

Cross-Examination of Johnny David by John Milne, 29 April 1986

Notes

Glossary

References

Credits and Sources

Index