Evidence, Cultural, Discrimination & Racism, Canada, British Columbia, Indigenous Peoples, First Nations 

"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 in the Delgamuukw case.""In the commission evidence, Daivd provides a rich description of the Witsuwit'en way of life as well as the injustices his people suffered at the hands of Indian agents and settlers. In providing access to Johnny David's eloquent testimony, this book offers unique insight into one of the most historically significant examples of Aboriginal peoples' ongoing struggle for self-determination."--Jacket 

Contents

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. 

Includes bibliographical references (pages 459-465) and index.