Close Reading: Heiltsuk relationship with the animals

CLOSE READING
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The nature of the Heiltsuk relationship with the animals is what I could refer to as utilitarian. This perception is based on the perception of the community towards the salmon fish. The Heiltsuk community sees no value in the salmon fish besides their food use(Heiltsuk Nation 2020). Moreover, society perceives fish as animals that should be natured and used for food. In this community, salmon fish is regarded as a valuable food. Moreover, gathering fish in large quantities earn a man a higher leadership position in this community. The story of the Heiltsuk suggests that fish could have a more excellent value besides their everyday use for food. However, the Heiltsuk community forgets to forecast the future concerning their activities. People from this community gather fish in large numbers, and they face the risk of running out of the salmon fish. Their archaeological sites are full of remains of salmon fish, which they take pride in as a way of paying respect. However, it would be more respectful to treat live salmons better when alive, and they would serve more importance to the lives of the Heiltsuk.
The utilitarian perspective involves the idea that animals are simply sources of food and have no additional benefit (Hill 2013). This perception is a stereotype adopted by the Heiltsuk since they express a sense of entitlement towards the salmon fish. The Heiltsuk think that they have sufficient fish to feed the community for a long time. The society believes that they are doing enough to take good care of their fish. The Heiltsuk community developed new methods to manage the salmons in their rivers. “Our success is reflected in the density of salmon bones in our archaeological sites and the abundance of salmon in our rivers” (Heiltsuk Nation 2020). From the article by Heiltsuk Nation, the salmons’ source in this community attracted people from distant places. Society depends significantly on the gathering of fish for their survival. Contrary to their perception of how they should relate with the animals, the salmons could still help if kept alive. The non-Utilitarian perspective shares the idea that animals could be treated with kindness and retained for other valuable uses. This theory argues that men and animals should relate as equals. This theory suggests that the Heiltsuk could still benefit from salmon if they regulated the number of fish that they consume as food. Moreover, different fish species could be kept in farms and interbred to produce a better quality of salmon breeds. The supply of fish could also be increased by taking good care of the fish that are available. Instead, the Heiltsuk do not see any benefits of keeping fish in farms. Their ignorance is illustrated when a man sends back fish into the water to be harvested later.
Contrary to their perception of how they should relate with the animals, the salmons could still help if kept alive. Erica Hill shares the idea that animals could have other valuable uses (Hill, 2013). This theory argues that men and animals should relate as equals. According to Hill, the equality between humans and animals is based on respecting both animal and human cultures. As much as humans gather fish, the animals deserve to be fed and live in comfortable habitats. The Heilstuk represents a community that respects and cares for their animals. The society proves these traits by keeping the remains of fish in archeological sites. However, their purpose for reserving these remains could go beyond respect. Cultures can be secured by maintaining remains in archeological sites. Archaeology is an essential element in reconstructing human-animal relations. Archaeology applies to preserve the history of different species of animals. Animal remains kept in archaeological sites are simply for rituals and lack utilitarian purposes. However, this community took salmon remains to the archaeological sites after feeding(Heiltsuk Nation, 2020). This action signified respect for their culture and relationship with the salmon fish. The use of archaeology could be essential in establishing new scientific pieces of evidence, such as evolution. Scientifically, this theory could benefit research based on how humans and animals came to existence. This information helps to understand the behaviors of humans with animals as previously established. Zooarcheology is also significant in the reconstruction of human-animal relations. Zooarcheology helps in providing useful information that could be applied for educational purposes. Zooarcheology also helps in establishing the history of the activities of man with animals. The history of the activities of man with animals could help to explain the behaviors of man.
The non-utilitarian approach of treating animals has several social benefits to the life of man. However, historically, animals were essential in many ways: some animals were regarded as part of society’s myth. In this community, fish could be a rich source of a society’s cultural history passed down from one generation to another. Animals also have a great significance in the religious beliefs and practices of many communities. The worship of animals as gods that dates back historically before the coming of Christ influences the decision to take care of animals and treat them with respect. Respecting the animals will hence translate to showing respect to other religions and denominations. Moreover, in some communities, animals such as fish are zodiac signs and predict an individual’s future life. Historically, some animals were considered ordained and could be given as gifts to share love among each other religiously. The relations of humans and animals have influenced the behavior of man. Man has previously learned several survival techniques from studying animals. Animals could provide companionship and interact with men. For instance, in some communities, fish are used for meditation and rel...