Origin of the Four clans

  All Gitksan belong to one of four clans or phratries:  the Gisgahast, Ganada, Lukiboo and Lasxeek. The first clan, the Gisgahast, “the people of the pole” was named in reference to the creation story. More clans developed to regulate spouse selection and prevent incest. 

   The second clan was the Ganada the frog clan.  The people of the Ganada established themselves across the Skeena river from the Gisgahast where the village of Kitan`max is now located.  The third clan is the Lukiboo, the wolf clan, which was established where the city of Prince Rupert is presently located. The forth clan is the Lasxeek, the eagle clan, which originated on Haida Gwaii. The people of a clan share common ancestors, crests, and privileges.