Description
Book SynopsisIn 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
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
