Gitga'at members journey to Kiel camp every spring for the start of harvest season. This annual tradition is a time when the community gathers to harvest food from both the land and the sea. Harvesting sustains the Gitga'at people in more ways than one—it nourishes their bodies, connects them to their culture, and strengthens their ties to the territory.
The community has relied on harvesting for millennia. Though modern-day foods and convenience items can be imported into the Bay, harvesting remains important for several reasons.
Learning from Elders
One of the most essential parts of harvesting is learning from the Elders. They teach younger generations about traditional foods, showing them how to harvest, prepare, and preserve food. These teachings are vital for maintaining food security and self-sufficiency, particularly when food costs at the store can be so high.
At Kiel, Elders pass on knowledge about various foods like seaweed, halibut, spring salmon, wild rhubarb, and northern riceroot. They also teach the traditional ways of preparing these foods—peeling, drying, filleting, and more. By sharing their recipes, Elders ensure that future generations will have the skills to feed themselves and continue the harvesting practices that have sustained the community for centuries.
Feeding the Community Healthy Foods
The food gathered during harvest season feeds the Gitga'at community long after the spring. After a successful harvest, members return to Hartley Bay with a bounty of food. The community works together to preserve and store this food for the months ahead. This teamwork strengthens the community and can provide healthier food options than those found in a grocery store.
While canned foods may be convenient, they often contain high levels of salt, sugar, and preservatives, which can affect health over time. When the Gitga'at people harvest and preserve their own food, they know exactly what goes into it—ensuring that what they eat is as natural and nutritious as possible.
Connecting with Others
Harvesting also brings the community closer. Working together to store and preserve food helps the Gitga'at people bond with one another. Additionally, harvesting has historically been a way to connect with other Indigenous communities. In the past, the Gitga'at traded what they gathered, like seaweed, for oolichan grease and other goods. This tradition of sharing continues today, fostering strong connections within the community and beyond.
Food All Year Round
Harvesting is at the heart of Gitga'at culture. Even as the world changes, the importance of this tradition remains. By continuing to harvest, the Gitga'at people stay connected to the land and ensure that future generations can gather, share, and enjoy food just like their ancestors did.
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