06/04/2024
Honoring Our Heritage and Resilience
NEW RELEASE
Indigenous Peoples History Month:
The people of Skidegate Village gathered for this photo (circa approx. 1886-1890), by a missionary in order to commemorate the last time they would be allowed to wear their ceremonial regalia. After this, the cultural property was taken away.
Erin's 3x-great grandmother Jeannie and 2x Great grandmother Elizabeth are shown here (front row, far left). Haida are a Matrilineal society that pass names, titles, songs, dances and prerogatives through the mother's line.
As we observe Indigenous Peoples History Month, we take this opportunity to reflect on the rich cultural heritage and resilience of Indigenous communities.
As a culturally conscious business, we strive to educate when and where we can, and so, Id like to focus on a significant yet painful chapter of our history—the outlawing of the potlatch ceremony by the Canadian government, which had profound effects on our traditional economy and cultural practices on the West Coast.
In the late 1800s, the Canadian government viewed First Nations’ traditions as impediments to the assimilation and "civilization" of Native peoples. Indigenous cultures were seen as threats to these colonial goals, leading to the enactment of laws aimed at eradicating these traditions. One such law targeted the potlatch, a ceremonial feast integral to the social, economic, and spiritual fabric of West Coast Indigenous communities.
On January 1, 1885, the anti-potlatch law came into effect. It read:
“EVERY INDIAN OR OTHER PERSON WHO ENGAGES IN OR ASSISTS IN CELEBRATING THE INDIAN FESTIVAL KNOWN AS THE ‘POTLATCH’ OR IN THE INDIAN DANCE ‘TAMANANAWAS’ IS GUILTY OF A MISDEMEANOR, AND SHALL BE LIABLE TO IMPRISONMENT…”
For 67 years, this law criminalized the potlatch. Many Indigenous people were arrested, often for something as simple as dancing. Sacred regalia and ceremonial items were confiscated. Despite the risk of imprisonment, the potlatch continued in secret, sometimes taking place in the modest setting of a dining table over tea with a few trusted guests.
A notable act of resistance occurred in 1921, when Chief Dan Cranmer held a remarkable potlatch on Village Island on the northwest coast of British Columbia. This event resulted in the arrest of forty-five people. Participants who were subsequently arrested for were forced to choose between surrendering their regalia to prevent future potlatches or facing jail time. Twenty-two individuals chose imprisonment over abandoning their cultural practices. Chief Cranmer’s actions symbolized a steadfast commitment to preserving our traditions in the face of oppressive laws.
The potlatch was more than a ceremony; it encompassed songs, dances, masks, blankets and other commodities—elements that not only defined the our people- but were the significant aspect of our clan prerogatives. The outlawing of the potlatch not only suppressed our cultural expressions but also obliterated our traditional economy, which relied heavily on these gatherings for the distribution of wealth and resources but also our ability to borrow and loan traditional collateral.
In 1951, the potlatch ban was finally lifted from the Indian Act. However, the scars left by decades of cultural repression have taken decades to heal. It has taken time for our people to reclaim and openly celebrate our identity and heritage. Today, we continue to rebuild and strengthen our traditions with pride and resilience. Our connection to the past remains unbroken, and it is through the strength of our families and communities that we look forward with hope.
As we honor Indigenous Peoples History Month, let us remember and pay tribute to the enduring spirit of our ancestors. Their resilience in the face of adversity ensures that our rich cultural heritage continues to thrive today.
Thank you for joining us in celebrating and learning about our history.
Warm regards,
Kalga Jaad Erin Brillon
Owner, Totem Design House
