Abstract

In this paper the authors will examine the picture of Tahltan culture history presented in the archaeological literature pertaining to Mt.Edziza and the surrounding territory and compare that with the Tahltan perspective of their past derived from oral narratives and other cultural knowledge. Two issues in particular will be discussed. One issue regards the prevalent view in the anthropological (archaeological and cultural) literature of the late arrival of the Dene peoples, including the Tahltan, in their present territories. The other related issue regards the direction of coastal-interior cultural influence. Both of these issues will be considered in light of the general neglect of traditional knowledge and aboriginal perspective in anthropological literature.