General Info Crab Fest 2009 - Nisga’a Village of Gingolx

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General Info. -

“Kincolith” is the anglicized (spelling) for the Nisga’a name, Gingolx. In 1867 Rev. R. Doolan, along with a raft of Nisga’a converts, left the village of Abanseeks to establish a mission at Xmaat’in. Due to the rough seas their futile attempt to cross Saxwhl Xk’laan (the mouth) of Portland Inlet was abandoned and they beached at Gingolx instead of where they established their new village. Hence it became known as the Christian Village of Kincolith. (Source: Nisga’a Tribal Council/Ayuukhl Nisga’a Department, Aiyansh, BC).

In this new village, the Nisga’a was forbidden to carve their majestic totem poles, speak their Nisga’a Language or practice the traditional and spiritual aspects of their culture. This explains why there are Totem poles left in Gingolx with the exception of the few that have been carved over the last several years. Despite the influence of the missionaries the carving skills did not disappear but rather went underground where it was kept alive in small carved trinkets and oral history. Gingolx has produced some of the best artists of the Northwest.

Getting to Gingolx

Traveling to Gingolx is an adventure of its own. There are several ways to this seaside village. Gingolx is approximately 8.5 hours from Prince George. One can travel by float plane or boat from Prince Rupert to Gingolx. To access the Nass Valley from Terrace, drive north along Kalum Lake Road, which starts three kilometres north of Terrace in the midst of a spectacular wilderness that includes the historic Nisga’a Memorial Lava Beds, Canada’s youngest volcanic area. Be sure to pack a picnic and your camera because this is a photographer’s paradise.

Our Culture

This is definitely an area where you can witness Nisga’a culture at its best. Gingolx completed its Longhouse in March 2005. This site is definitely a must for the many visitors who flock to Gingolx. The inside walls of this 400 sq foot building are filled with Nisga’a designs by local Gingolx artist, Art Angus, Robert Stanley Sr., Brent Stephens, Paul Stewart Jr., Richard Benson, Pansy-lee Watts, and Phillip Watts. Gracing the entrance of the Longhouse are two 40 foot totem poles.

Each totem pole tells a story and is to the Nisga’a story book. Traditionally, each Chief would have his own totem and sometimes several would be displayed around the Chieftain Longhouse. Again, this system was discouraged by the missionaries and is slowly returning. If one of the highlights of you visit is the totem and you want to witness the carving and rising of a totem, then please check out our website at www.gingolx.ca to ensure that you plan your visit around the next totem pole carving. The Nisga’a has some of the more colourful traditional dancers of any First Nation group.

Each village has its own dance group leader. The larger communities of New Aiyansh and Laxgalts’ap have some 150 dancers, singers, and drummers. The four Nisga’a villages of Gingolx, Laxgalts’ap, New Aiyansh and Gitwinksihlkw have a combined dance group of over 500 participants.

This Nisga’a Drumming is very distinct from other First Nation drummers in the Northwest because they drum in part harmony. The songs and stories of the Nisga’a dance groups are original and distinct, having been passed down from generation to generation. The Nisga’a regalia are red, white, and black and make up for a very colourful display on the dance floor.

It is customary to stand until the dancers take their place on the dance floor. Sometimes, the dancers enter with a variety of Simgigat (Chiefs). The Simgigat walk around the dance area and bow to the audience as a way of welcoming their guest. Spectators are expected to acknowledge the simgigat by nodding their head in return.

Vice Presidents Message

The Gingolx Arts Society would like to welcome each and everyone to our 6th Annual Gingolx Music Festival “Crabfest”. It has been a very busy year and we are very excited to offer you another year of great entertainment, food and Gingolx Tourism at its best!

2009 has been a great year for Gingolx. Since our doors have opened, Gingolx has been an attraction to tourists near and far. We steadily have RV’s, Campers and Visitor who have been coming to our community on a weekly basis. They are overwhelmed by our seaside charm and scenery. Our Visitors are attracted to our Longhouse and waterfront seawall, not to mention those who come in to launch their boats for a day of fishing. We are well known as the “Seafood Capital of the Nass”, therefore the visiting fisherman come in eager for their daily catch.

We would like to thank all of our Sponsors that have assisted in Crabfest; your assistance is greatly appreciated. Crabfest isn’t just about entertainment; it plays a huge role in Gingolx Village Government’s Tourism plan. With that, it is our hope that Visitors who come to Crabfest come again in the near future.
A special thank-you to Gingolx Village Government for your continued support and encouragement through the planning stages of this wonderful event. You have stood by us right from the first planning meeting and have continued to observe our progress and see that everything is ongoing.

Our dedicated Volunteers play a vital role in the operation of CRABFEST. Once again, they come forward and continued to support us, come of them who have been with us since the beginning and others who have just joined our team, it is truly appreciated. It is true that our Volunteers are the “Backbone and Heart” of our event.

I would like to thank all of our performers for accepting our invitation to Crabfest. I hope that your visit to the Nisga’a Nation is as memorable as ours is of having you.

Last but not least, the Community of Gingolx. Without your participation and hospitality, Crabfest wouldn’t have been possible. Your assistance to our Visitors is an asset and appreciated. The Community of Gingolx is known for their Golden Hospitality and you have continued to display that to our visitors. Thank-you.
A huge thank you to:Esther, Christine, Emily, Adrian, and Reynold for your continued support and hard work that you have done to make this event a memorable one.

Enjoy Crabfest 2009!

Michele Stevens.