Tsimshian

[ tsim-shee-uhn ]

noun

, plural Tsim·shi·ans, (especially collectively) Tsim·shi·an

1. a member of a group of Indigenous peoples of the coastal region of British Columbia and Annette Island, Alaska.
2. the languages of the Tsimshian, sometimes considered part of the Penutian family.

adjective

1. of or relating to the Tsimshian or their languages.

Tsimshian

/ ˈtʃɪmʃɪən /

noun

1. a member of a Native Canadian people of northern British Columbia
2. the Penutian language of this people

Word History and Origins

Origin of Tsimshian¹

First recorded in 1830–40; from Tsimshian; literally, “inside the Skeena River”; Skeena ( def )

Word History and Origins

Origin of Tsimshian¹

C19: from Tsimshian, inside the Skeena River

Example Sentences

Does the Tsimshian Bear myth prove that the natives themselves turn into Bears, and become men again?

From Project Gutenberg

Others, while agreeing as to the painting, claim that the carving was designed and executed by a Tsimshian.

From Project Gutenberg

Mr. Frazer gives to all four Tsimshian clans the names of animals.

From Project Gutenberg

Thus (p. 187) all of the four Tsimshian "clans" have animal names.

From Project Gutenberg

But, in his table, he docks two Tsimshian clans of their totem names.

From Project Gutenberg