The Story of Ista (Nuxalk)
Ista is the name of the First Woman who descended to Nuxalknalus (King Island) in Nuxalk tradition. She came down to earth and decorated her crest on a blanket with abalone shell and danced up the coast. Ista was greatly admired for how she chose to show her connection to the Creator. Her story is part of the Nuxalk understanding of how the first ancestors established territories and rights to the land. Traditional family names are handed down and validated at potlatches. The Ista story also includes the tale of Patsallht (First Born), who thought he was the only one on earth. He was given a m