, gift of
Ralph T. Coe. The Tahltan cultural practices and lifeways varied widely as they were often widely separated and would have to endure varying conditions depending on their locality. In Tahltan culture it was believed that some of their ancestors had knowledge that others did not from times before a great flood. Some of these ancestors used that knowledge for the good of the people, while others used it for evil and to the disadvantage of others. Raven is considered to be the protagonist hero against these evil ancestors.
Social organization Tahltan social organization is founded on
matriarchy and intermarriage between two main clan designations. The two main clans of Tahltan people are Tses' Kiya (pronounced Tses-kee-ya) (
Crow) and Chiyone (pronounced Chee-oanah)
(Wolf). These two clans are further subdivided into four parties: • Kartchottee (Raven)—This family originated in the Interior toward the headwaters of the
Taku River. This is the most numerous family of the tribe, also represented by the
frog. • Nanyiee (Wolf)—Also represented by the
brown bear, the
killer-whale, and the
shark. This family originated near the headwaters of
Taku River, moved towards the ocean and settling among the
Stikine Tlingit; and then ascended the Stikine River and became a family of the Tahltan. • Talarkoteen (Wolf)—Originating near
Peace River in the Interior, these peoples followed
Liard River to
Dease Lake and then crossed to the Tuya. • Tuckclarwaydee (Wolf)—Also represented by the
brown bear, the
eagle, and the
killer-whale. This family is credited as being the founders of the Tahltan tribe, originating in the interior near the headwaters of Nags river.
Government Contemporary Tahltan society constitutes itself as the
Tahltan Nation, which comprises the membership and governments of the
Tahltan First Nation and
Iskut First Nation. ==History==