![Chief Seaweed stands before a wood building, wearing a button blanket, ceremonial frontlet and holds a copper in each arm.](../img/enseignants-education/cours_3-lesson_3/willie_seaweed_exhibant_ses_cuivres-willie_seaweed_holding_his_coppers.jpg)
Chief and artist, Kwaxitola, Willie Seaweed (1873-1967) holding his coppers, Blunden Harbour, 1955
Seaweed was a singer, storyteller, and great artist who kept the traditions of the potlatch alive through the years it was prohibited by law.
Photo: Wilson Duff, Royal BC Museum
![Figure stands before a white backdrop, ermine trimmed frontlet, holding two coppers with an eagle and wolf mask at his feet.](../img/enseignants-education/cours_3-lesson_3/chef_johnny_drabble_en_1922-chief_johnny_drabble_1922.jpg)
Kwaxalanukwame', Odan, Chief Johnny Drabble, 1922
“And my uncle took me to the Parish Hall, where the Chiefs were gathered. Odan picked up a rattle and spoke, ‘We have come to say goodbye to our life,’ then he began to sing his sacred song. All of the Chiefs, standing in a circle around their regalia were weeping, as if someone had died.” - James Charles King, at Alert Bay, 1977
Photo: William Halliday, Royal BC Museum, AA-00188
![Figure holds two coppers in arms, stands before big house wearing button blanket and woven cedar hat.](../img/enseignants-education/cours_3-lesson_3/le_chef_namgis_william_wasden_jr_exhibant_ses_cuivres-namgis_chief_william_wasden_jr_holding_his_coppers.jpg)
Waxawidi, ‘Namgis Chief William Wasden Jr. holding his coppers, c. 2007
![Couple stand side by side in cedar bark regalia, dance aprons, button blankets, she holds a copper in front of her chest.](../img/enseignants-education/cours_3-lesson_3/le_chef_et_artiste_xixaniyus_bob_harris_avec_sa_femme_tlakwel_mary_harris-chief_and_artist_xixaniyus_bob_harris_with_his_wife_tlakwel_mary_harris.jpg)
Chief and artist Xi’xa'niyus, Bob Harris (c. 1870 – c.1930), with his wife, Tlakweł, Mary Harris (née Mountain, daughter of Chief Nage’), Alert Bay, 1913
Photo: Possibly Rev. Corker, Royal BC Museum, PN2566