Island Parent Fall 2023

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LEARN Giving Back 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 used in reference to cultural gatherings through a trading language known as the Chinook Jargon. Potlatch is also sometimes confused with the word, Potluck, which originated in England. It was 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 used to describe a gathering where everyone is bringing and sharing food together, which 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. These include, but are not limited to, the raising of a totem pole, the passing down of hereditary rights and names, 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, 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, masks and dances are used for the re-telling of the story and the portrayal of heroes who looked after their people during these challenging times. This theatrical display encourages community members to be grateful for each day, while inspiring youth to contribute to the well-being of their communities. 18 Island Parent Magazine IslandParent.ca
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” who share their 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 and appreciated that, no matter the challenge, I could always rely on their gentle guidance to lift me up and 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 and still feel the deep resonance of history reiterating the past while embracing the future. It has inspired me to want to “give back” and 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, and l look forward to watching their faces when the sound of the drums, crackle of the fire and pageantry of dancers awaken their curiosity. For up-to-date information on CRD Regional Parks and its programs, visit crd.bc.ca/parks-events. St. Christopher’s Montessori School Offering an enriched and nurturing Montessori program Competitively priced independent school education Half day for 3 & 4 year olds Full day kindergarten stcmontessori.ca 250-595-3213 The Woman Who Outshone the Sun & A Latin American tale of judgement, forgiveness and nature’s gifts Now Receiving the New CCFRI (Child Care Fee Reduction Initiative) Preschool $478.50/month Kindergarten $376/month Shi-shi-etko A little girl’s tale of love, family, culture and Indigenous teaching PHOENIXTHEATRES.CA | 250.721.8000 Evenings: October 12, 13, 19, 20 @ 7:30 PM | Matinees: October 14 & 21 @ 2 PM Leslie McGarry is the Cultural Programmer at CRD Regional Parks and a grateful guest on these lands from the Kwakwaka’wakw Territory. The CRD’s boundaries span the Traditional Territories of over 20 First Nations, whose ancestors have been taking care of the land since time immemorial. Many of CRD regional parks have historic and ongoing cultural significance for these Nations and provide important food, medicine and spiritual places. IslandParent.ca Fall 2023 19
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