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Living Tradition, The Kwakwaka'wakw Potlatch on the Northwest Coast

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Lesson 7

Play / Pause — Potlatch Means to Give

Film: Barbara Cranmer, UCC

View Transcript Video Downloads Transcript txt / 1KB
Video mp4 / 1:30 / 17.7MB
Video ogv / 1:30 / 14MB
Video webm / 1:30 / 21.1MB
Video mp4 DV / 1:30 / 24.1MB
Video ogv DV / 1:30 / 15.3MB
Video webm DV / 1:30 / 22.6MB

My people, the Kwakwaka'wakw, have 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.

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.

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.

Mute — Potlatch Means to Give

Film: Barbara Cranmer, UCC

View Transcript Video Downloads Transcript txt / 1KB
Video mp4 / 1:30 / 17.7MB
Video ogv / 1:30 / 14MB
Video webm / 1:30 / 21.1MB
Video mp4 DV / 1:30 / 24.1MB
Video ogv DV / 1:30 / 15.3MB
Video webm DV / 1:30 / 22.6MB

My people, the Kwakwaka'wakw, have 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.

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.

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.

Lesson 7

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