Potlatch

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Wawadit'la(Mungo Martin House) a Kwakwaka'wakw big house

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Speaker Figure, 19th century, 05.588.7418

Edward S. Curtis, Kwakiutl bridal group, British Columbia, 1914 (published version)

Klallam people at Port Townsend

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Aboriginal copper

Milwaukee Public Museum April 2023 071 (West Coast- Land of the Giants--The Potlatch, Kwakiutl, British Columbia)

Potlatch is a ceremonial feast among the Indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest Coast of Canada and the United States, including but not limited to the Haida, Nuu-chah-nulth, Salish, Tlingit, Tsimshian, Kwakwaka'wakw, and Nuxalk. The potlatch takes its name from the Chinook Jargon, pʰat͡ɬač, meaning "to give", derived from the Nuu-chah-nulth word paɬaːč. This ceremony plays a crucial role in the social and economic systems of these communities, serving as a means of wealth redistribution, social hierarchy reinforcement, and the maintenance of community ties.

History and Function

The potlatch was documented by early European explorers, traders, and missionaries in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. It was misunderstood and often maligned by these observers, leading to its prohibition in Canada between 1884 and 1951 under the Indian Act. The ban was enforced with varying degrees of severity, but it never fully eradicated the practice, which continued in secret or in modified forms.

Potlatches are multifaceted events that can mark various significant life events such as births, deaths, weddings, or the assumption of a new chief or noble title. They are characterized by elaborate ceremonies, including dancing, singing, and the display of family crests and totem poles. The hosts, who are typically individuals of high social status within their community, give away gifts to attendees, with the value and quantity of gifts reflecting the host's wealth and status. This act of giving not only redistributes wealth within the community but also serves to cement social bonds and assert the host's status.

Cultural Significance

The potlatch stands as a testament to the richness of the Pacific Northwest Coast Indigenous cultures, embodying their social values, artistic expression, and connection to ancestral traditions. It challenges Western notions of wealth and property by emphasizing sharing and community over individual accumulation of wealth. The potlatch also plays a critical role in the oral history tradition of these cultures, as stories, dances, and songs passed down through generations are an integral part of the ceremonies.

Controversy and Legal History

The Canadian government's ban on the potlatch was part of a broader effort to assimilate Indigenous peoples into European-Canadian culture. Authorities believed that abolishing the potlatch would facilitate this assimilation process, viewing the ceremony as a wasteful and unproductive use of resources. The ban led to significant cultural loss and was met with resistance from Indigenous communities, who continued to practice the potlatch in secret.

The repeal of the potlatch ban in 1951 was a significant victory for Indigenous rights in Canada, acknowledging the importance of cultural preservation and the autonomy of Indigenous peoples to practice their traditions. This change in law also marked a shift in the Canadian government's approach to Indigenous policies, moving towards recognition and respect for Indigenous cultures.

Modern Day Potlatches

Today, potlatches continue to be an essential aspect of Pacific Northwest Coast Indigenous cultures, serving as a living link to their ancestral past and a vital part of their contemporary cultural identity. Modern potlatches may incorporate elements of modern life, but they remain deeply rooted in the traditions, values, and social structures of their respective cultures. These events not only serve to maintain cultural practices but also to educate younger generations and non-Indigenous people about the rich cultural heritage of the Pacific Northwest Coast Indigenous peoples.