A measure of wealth through an Indigenous lens
While often described as celebrations, festivals and/or feasts, the Potlatch tradition of the Pacific Northwest Coast Indigenous Peoples is so much more. The Potlatch tradition is about acknowledging the past while embracing the future. It instills pride and respect for time-honoured cultural practices. But more importantly, it inspires a deep sense of connection to community.
The word Potlatch (Ṕačiƛ – Patshalt) comes from the language of the Nuu chah nulth Peoples of the west coast of Vancouver Island and aptly means “to give.” It was during the fur trade era when Potlatch became the generic term. It’s in reference to cultural gatherings through a trading language known as the Chinook Jargon.
Potlatch is also sometimes mistaken for the word Potluck, which originates in England. It’s said that if you arrived after the dinner hour, you were lucky to get whatever was left at the bottom of the pot. Today it is a term to describe a gathering where everyone shares food. The similar concepts may have understandably, contributed to the confusion.
A Potlatch is a large gathering hosted by Indigenous community leaders where invited guests attend as witnesses to substantial events. Here are some examples: The raising of a totem pole, the passing down of hereditary names and rights, the validation of marriage alliances and the honouring of individuals who have passed on. Practiced in diverse ways by all Indigenous Peoples inhabiting the Pacific Northwest Coast from Washington State northwards to the southeastern coast of Alaska. Truly, the Potlatch is the pivotal social event.
During these occasions, the host displays their wealth in the form of songs, masks, and dances, and by presenting gifts to their guests. The more they give away, the more prestige they acquire. An Elder from the Kwagiulth – Kwakwaka’wakw Nation was quoted as saying, “A person potlatches to share his wealth”. There is no honour or virtue in keeping your wealth…” writes Edward Malin in Masks & Totems: A Northcoast Odyssey. Therefore, a leader’s wealth is determined by how well they provide for their community, as opposed to personal gain. This way of thinking supports the origin stories of potlatches as being a means to evenly distribute food and resources throughout a village. Over the course of countless generations, the Potlatch evolved to become the crucial point of coastal cultural practices.
Potlatches also serve as reminders of creation stories, historic events or occurrences like floods, earthquakes, and droughts. In this instance, dancers don masks for the re-telling of the story and the portrayal of heroes. This theatrical display encourages community members to be grateful for each day, while inspiring youth to contribute to the well-being of their communities.
It is often the traditional role of grandparents to encourage, inspire and preserve the valuable lessons learned through the Potlatch. In fact, some coastal territories acknowledge grandparents as “Wisdom Keepers”. This role shares life experiences and knowledge with the intention of providing guidance, support and encouragement. It also serves as an opportunity to “give back” to the upcoming generations.
I was fortunate to have these teachers throughout my youth. I appreciated that, no matter the challenge, I could always rely on their gentle guidance to lift me up. They would set me back on a healthy and fulfilling path. I am also grateful to have had the opportunity to attend and participate in many Potlatches over the years. Even now I still feel the deep resonance of history reiterating the past while embracing the future. It has inspired me to want to “give back”. Although I do not live within my traditional territory, there is opportunity to provide Indigenous perspectives within urban populations by inviting the public to consider education through an Indigenous lens.
I am now grandmother to eight beautiful grandchildren. I look forward to watching their faces when the sound of the drums, crackle of the fire and pageantry of dancers awaken their curiosity.
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