10% off all books and free delivery over £40
Buy from our bookstore and 25% of the cover price will be given to a school of your choice to buy more books. *15% of eBooks.

'Hang Onto These Words'

View All Editions

The selected edition of this book is not available to buy right now.
Add To Wishlist
Write A Review

About

'Hang Onto These Words' Synopsis

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.

About This Edition

ISBN: 9780802085344
Publication date: 24th December 2005
Author: Antonia Mills
Publisher: University of Toronto Press
Format: Paperback
Pagination: 502 pages
Series: Heritage
Genres: Indigenous peoples
Ethnic groups and multicultural studies
Civil procedure: law of evidence
Social and cultural history
Social discrimination and social justice
Social and cultural anthropology