Under the leadership of Abel Oakes, standing on the right, this band played at many functions in Hazelton. One such occasion was the breaking of the sod for the new Hazelton Hospital in 1930, when this photograph was taken. The Gitxsan in Old Hazelton were noted for their musical ability and were able to pick up melodies very quickly. Traditionally, on Christmas Eve one of the bands paraded through town playing Christmas carols. (Photo: my collection)
