Aboriginal language, traditions passed through generations

Leaving a birthright to family members was very important to our Sylix people from long ago. The birthright  is the identity of a person born into a nation, which includes language and tradition; we inherit this from our parents.

Not all Aboriginal people speak the same language, or practice the same traditions. The Thompson, Lytton, Lillooet, and Shuswap people are different than the Okanagan (Sylix) people. The only nations that are related to us are the Okanagan people from Vernon, Penticton, Osoyoos, Oliver, and Keremeos — these are related nations.

The birthright entitles a person to inherit land from their parents.

In our culture, the recognition of the matriarch as a natural and equal leader was an integral part of tribal life. It gave women a powerful voice in the decision making process of day to day living. The Okanagan nation believes the woman is the matriarch, meaning that descent, wealth, power and inheritance are passed down through the mother.

The federal government from long ago, knew this, so they put in place the Indian Act of Canada. In this act, it says that if a native woman marries a non-native man she would cease to be Indian. She would lose her status and with it lose the right to live on her home Reserve as well as the right to inherit her family property and even the right to be buried on Reserve.

The federal government wanted to strip the power of the native woman, and give her citizenship in Canada, in exchange for her voice of authority in her community.

When I got married, my dad knew that I would not be able to inherit his property, which included acres of good ranch land and other properties. He went to our Chief Daniel Manuel and requested a band meeting where my dad Billy McLeod spoke to our people. I was there with him, and he said, “My daughter is married to a non-native man. She won’t be able to inherit anything from me. I ask that one or two of you would buy at least 60 acres of prime land from me; the money I get from this, I will give to my daughter.”

Two men from our band bought land from my dad; the acres of land were at the top hay fields. The money my dad gave me, was like a wedding gift. With the money we were able to buy our own home here in town. In this way, my dad gave me my inheritance while he was still alive. My dad knew how important this would be for me, so he acted upon it.

He left property to Clement, and to Clarence, who then left their property as inheritance to their families. My dad took care of all three of us. He loved us equally, I am sure of this.

My dad left me his property; my mom left me her status as matriarch, which is a powerful inheritance. Thank you to both my parents.

My thoughts go back to when I was a child. I remember my mom used to render beef fat to use later. She would prepare the fat by cutting it into little pieces, then place them on a baking sheet in the oven. Later she would take them out, and they would taste so good, all crispy and crunchy. It was like the bacon bits one buys at the store. Then she would put the fat into a container to use later.

Another time, my aunt Alice and my mom would plan to go ice fishing on Nicola Lake. Aunt Alice would travel from her home at Shulus — her husband would bring her by sleigh to Quilchena where mom would meet them.

They both would walk on the ice, to where their night lines were placed. I would tag along with my little sleigh, which would carry our lunch, and a container in which to brew tea.

One day, I wanted to run ahead of them to see what they had on their night lines, but my mom said, “No, you stay with us.” I did not listen. I ran ahead, and got to the first line, which I pulled up until the most ugly looking fish popped its head out of the water. I screamed. Mom laughed and told me it was a ling cod. We brought it home and had it for supper. Many memories come from visiting my uncle George’s home. Every Sunday, there used to be a hockey practice on the Nicola Lake. The team consisted of men from Quilchena and Upper Nicola. This is where the team now known as The Quilchena Braves began. The men who are now on the team are sons or grandsons of the former players.

At one time the Sylix people had a baseball team of their own, which was well known. Rodeos were a big item for us too. In fact one of the gals from Upper Nicola took up barrel racing. She became so good that she was the champion of barrel racing for many years.

In my last article, I briefly mentioned the coming of age teachings by my mom and grandmother. I only shared one part of the teaching, but there are many more of them. The teachings come from the Sylix people, but may not be the same as the other people’s traditions. I would not dare to assume knowledge of the Thompson or other nation’s traditions. Although my aunt Alice shared her life with the Thompson people because she married into their tribe. She talked about them to my mom, but that was it.

I am happy to be alive, and to have learned so much from so many people. I cherish every word spoken to me.

You know, it is never too late to learn.

Psalm 16:5-6 “The Lord is my chosen and assigned portion, my cup; You hold and maintain my lot. The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; yes, I have a good heritage.”

Oh yes, I do have a good heritage, which will be passed on to my family.

As Always in Friendship.