Jewish Museum & Archives BC

Potlatches live on in Keeping the Song Alive

By: Petra Chase, Arts & Culture Editor Potlatch, which comes from the Nootka word meaning “gift,” is a traditional Indigenous ceremony during which tribes give away or destroy possessions to promote generosity, wealth, and prestige. For the Kwakwaka’wakw people, singing, dancing, and drumming in the Big House are all important parts of the celebration.  Located at the Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art, Keeping the Song Alive is a collaborative exhibition with Jewish Museum & Archives BC. It was ignited by 75-year-old Potlach recordings. Traditional artifacts from previous generations will be on display alongside contemporary artists who were inspired…

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