[Singing][Cheering]NARRATOR: In the beginning, our people emerged from mystical and supernatural places. My people, the Kwakwaka'wakw, had been guided by our ancestors. Our stories of origin are based on our first ancestors. Ceremonial masks tell of our beginning and share our identity and where we come from. [Drumming] NARRATOR: When one's heart is glad, he gives away gifts. It was given to us by our creator, our way of doing things, of who we are. The Potlatch was given to us as a way of expressing joy. Everyone on Earth is given something. This was given to us. [Drumming] NARRATOR: We acknowledge every aspect of our lives through ritual and ceremony. We have a continuous connection to everything. We express our connections in many different ways, giving thanks, feasting and gift giving. [Chanting] [Speaking in Kwak´wala] [Drumming and singing] NARRATOR: Today, most Potlatches are held as memorials for loved ones. Mourning songs are sung to shake off the sadness, wipe away tears, and set the spirit free. [Chirping][Chanting] NARRATOR: When you enter the Big House, everything changes. In the winter months, we connect with our ancestral spirits and share in our Potlatch. A Chief and his family host the sacred ceremonies, passing on the dances, names and songs from their box of treasures. This ceremony is based on honour and respect. Today we have two parts to the Potlatch. In the T´seka Ceremony, you enter the floor counterclockwise, which represents entering the spirit world. [Yelling][Singing][Yelling][Drumming][Singing][Drumming][Singing][Drumming][Snapping][Cawing][Chanting]NARRATOR: Feasting is an important part of the ceremonies. Guests are fed the rich resources of the sea, salmon, clams, crabs and halibut. The giving away of one's wealth was essential to our Potlatch. Tli'nagila is a very important ceremony that has continued for many generations. The giving of eulachon oil we call tli'nagila is the highest honour a Chief can bestow on his guests.[Drumming][Singing]NARRATOR: The second part of the Potlatch is the Tla'sala or Peace Dances [Chanting] After each Peace Dance, a gift comes in the front door. [Chanting][Drumming][Chanting][Cheering][Drumming]NARRATOR: Today we continue to celebrate who we are. There is strength in our culture. We are a living culture.[Drumming][Chanting][Cheering][Drumming]