And reading more from the "Keeping the Lakes Way" , I learn more about them, and I think modern society could learn more than I do from them .. Quoting..
"Chiefs could be either male or female. In fact, the most favoured chief in memory is a woman, the mother of the long-time nineteenth-century chief, Gr'egoire....Sinixt chieftainship tended to be loosely hereditary, depending on whether an individual was considered suitable and able to fit the demands of the predominate role, that being one of the 'peacekeeper.'
Gregoire certainly took the diplomatic aspect of his position seriously. Ray accounts this chief's part in arresting a violent confrontation between the Spokane and the Lakes in southern Sinixt territory:
Gregory, the Lakes chief, stripped off his clothing and walked between the two opposing lines. The Spokane called for his death, saying that score would thereby be evened. But Gregory spoke: "You say that nothing but my death will stop you from fighting." Turning to his own people he continued, "There is nothing to stop you from fighting except your own will power." Then to all, "When I lie dead, the sun will disappear behind the clouds; there will be no sun. Deep darkness will prevail. No one can know how long it will remain dark. There will be no children, no old crippled folk. I do not wish to frighten you. But if you drop your arms, the trail will be open. We shall have no more bloody days until the end of our time. You can kill me if you will, but if you drop your arms, there will be no more bleeding. We shall have an open trail."
And it is said antagonists dispersed. (Ray 1939) "
So what can I add ?.. I have more, there is a lot more IMO.. |
