Long ago, our Tahltan society had 2 classes of people: high-ranking and commoners.

The high-ranking people were the headmen (and their families) and the wealthy (and their families). The headman inherited his position. But he did not automatically become headman, he was also chosen by the people. We wanted our headmen to be strong, energetic, wealthy, intelligent, and wise. His wealth was important because it showed that he had the knowledge and skills to become wealthy.

The wealthy ranked among the high-ranking people, but were not headmen. Their wealth included furs, copper, and slaves. Again, their worth was in the fact that they had knowledge and skills and used them. Sometimes, to show their wealth, a man would kill his slaves.

Commoners were people who did not belong to the headman's family or to the family of wealthy men.

At feasts, ceremonies, or in council, the seat of honour was placed opposite the door. The highest-ranking headman would sit there. Nonnock always sat in this seat. The Crow clan sat on one side of him, the Wolf clan on the other. Sometimes they were placed according to importance or rank but not always.