Types of Feasts
Types of Feasts (Ḵ’uuyem / Luuła)
Tsm’syen feasts are the core of ayaawx (law), governance, wealth distribution, and social balance. Each feast type carries specific responsibilities, witness roles, and cultural meaning.
Waawil – Name Feast
Used to take, raise, or stand up a new name holder. Purposes:
- Public confirmation of identity
- Transfer of rights, crests, songs, and prerogatives
- Recitation of lineage and history
- Witnesses are called and compensated
Luuła Guulgyet – Chief-Making Feast
Formal installation or reaffirmation of a Sm’oogyet (Hereditary Chief). Purposes:
- Confirmation of authority
- Recognition of house and clan rights
- Recitation of adawx (house histories)
- Large-scale redistribution
Wii Goot – Funeral & Mourning Feasts
A series of feasts marking death, mourning, and closure. Includes:
- Immediate funeral observances
- 10-day or 30-day feast
- One-year headstone feast
Purposes:
- Honour the deceased
- Acknowledge helpers
- Distribute obligations
- Close the mourning period
Gwilaawak – Justice / Restorative Feasts
Feasts called to address wrongdoing and restore balance between houses or clans. Purposes:
- Public acknowledgement of harm
- Compensation to the affected house
- Restoration of balance and peace
- Reinforcing ayaawx standards
Examples:
- Inappropriate behaviour toward women or youth
- Violence or injury
- Violations of house responsibilities
K’oomahl – Wealth & General Feasts
A broad category of feasts for celebration, acknowledgement, and distribution. Purposes:
- Show generosity and uphold reputation
- Strengthen alliances
- Honour community members
- Provide for the people
Gitnagaaniq / Gidag̱a’niik – Peace-Making Feast
Feast held to resolve conflict between houses, clans, or neighbouring tribes.
Purposes:
- Formal peace agreement
- Exchange of gifts or compensation
- Re-establishing safe travel and trade
- Public ratification of forgiveness
Hlgu Ḵ’uuyem – Children’s Feasts
Feasts centered on youth teachings and milestones. Purposes:
- Honour children
- Prepare young people for their roles
- Teach ayaawx in a ceremonial setting
- Mark milestones (first harvest, puberty, achievements)
Madiigyuut – Marriage Feast
Formalizing obligations between two houses through marriage. Purposes:
- Unite lineages
- Establish mutual responsibilities
- Witness and record the union
Harvest & Seasonal Feasts
Feasts connected to seasonal cycles. Types include:
- First Salmon Feast
- First Berries Feast
- First Seal / Oolichan Feast
- Successful hunt or trade return
Purposes:
- Give thanks
- Redistribute first harvests
- Honour the land and providers
Adaawx Feasts – History & Territorial Feasts
Feasts held to reaffirm origins, histories, crest rights, and territorial claims.
Purposes:
- Publicly assert lax’yip (territorial) rights
- Recount house histories (adawx)
- Reinforce identity and legitimacy