“A Death Feast in Dimlahamid is not a usual history book with a linear beginning, middle and end. The book is a tribute to the way in which the old people record and tell history. . . a window where one can glimpse the complex Gitksan and Wet’suwet’en court case around jurisdiction and ownership over our territory. Here it is made clear that our case is about our territories, but tied to that is our philosophy, our world view. We want to protect these territories and use them wisely, with all those that live within those boundaries. At times I wept as I read the book. . .” – Doreen Jensen, artist, activist, Gitksan fireweed clan, Kispiox.
On December 11, 1997, the Supreme Court of Canada rendered its decision in the historical aboriginal title action known a Delgamuukw versus The Queen. The decision vindicated the fifty–two Gitkan and We’suwe’en chiefs named as the plaintiffs in the court case, and completely rewrites the rules for resolving Native title in Canada. Epic battles with bear spirits in the streets of an ancient mythical city, logging–road showdowns deep in the Skeena Mountains, and forays into courtrooms and boardrooms in Vancouver punctuate Glavin’s eminently readable account of this land claims case.
This was my first book. It still holds up. I’m still very proud of it.
