<P> Succession in Tsimshian society is matrilineal, and one's place in society was determined by one's clan or phratry (defined as four equal parts). Four main Tsimshian clans form the basic phratry . The Laxsgiik (Eagle Clan) and Ganhada (Raven Clan) form one half . Gispwudwada (Killer Whale Clan) and Laxgibuu (Wolf Clan) form the other half . Prior to European contact, marriage in Tsimshian society could not take place within a half - group, for example between a Wolf and a Killer Whale . It was considered to be incest even if there was no blood relationship . Marriages were only arranged between people from clans in different halves: for example, between a Killer Whale and a Raven or Eagle . </P> <P> The Gitxsan or Gitksan, meaning "people of the Skeena River", were known with the Nisga'a as Interior Tsimshian . They speak a closely related language to Nisga'a, though both are related to Coast Tsimshian . This is the English term for Tsimshian spoken on the coast . Although inland, their culture is part of the Northwest Coast culture area, and they share many common characteristics, including the clan system, an advanced art style, and war canoes . They share an historic alliance with the neighbouring Wet'suwet'en, a subgroup of the Dakelh (or Carrier people). Together they waged a battle in the courts against British Columbia known as Delgamuukw v. the Queen, which had to do with land rights . </P> <P> The Haisla (also Xa'islak'ala, X̄a'islakʼala, X̌àʼislakʼala, X̣aʼislak'ala) are an indigenous nation living at Kitamaat in the North Coast region of the Canadian province of British Columbia . The name Haisla is derived from the Haisla word x̣àʼisla or x̣àʼisəla, "(those) living at the rivermouth, living downriver". </P> <P> The Heiltsuk (/ ˈhaɪltsʊk / HYL - tsuuk) are an indigenous Nation of the Central Coast region of the Canadian province of British Columbia, centred on the island communities of Bella Bella, British Columbia and Klemtu . The Heiltsuk are the descendants of a number of tribal groups who came together in Bella Bella in the 19th century . They generally prefer the autonym Heiltsuk . Anthropology labelled them the Bella Bella, which is how they are more widely known . </P>

Which culture group lived in the northwest coast region