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RAYMOND E. HARRIS I am of Gitxsan ancestry; my roots are steeped in Wilps Tsibasaa, an ancient and honourable extended family in Gitxsan territory. A sub-chief, the most fundamental entity in Gitxsan domain I am known as "Niiyeeshiwaas", my second Gitxsan name. Right after graduating and surviving the Edmonton Indian Residential School, 37 years ago and after some "20 years of drinking, being sick and sick of being sick," I admitted myself to the Round Lake Treatment Centre and I have not looked back since. I have been clean and sober for 14 years now and been working at Wilp Si' Satxw for 10 years. After dabbing in business administration related courses at the Northwest Community College, I engaged in serious study of the alcohol and drug counter-culture and secured certificates in counselling theory and techniques from the renowned Nechi Institute. Working as a counsellor for Wilp Si' Satxw, I began a serious study of the many teachings, ceremonies and traditional medicines of the Sacred Pipe pathway. After three, three-day fasts led by Joe and Jenny Cardinal of Saddle Lake, I received the honour and responsibility of holding a Sacred Pipe for the people. I am now the resident Sacred Pipe Carrier, counsellor and workshop facilitator for Wilp Si' Satxw. Recently I have received a Chartered Herbalists' diploma in herbal medicine.
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