25.02.19

Potlatch Appropriation Strategies:

Surrendered regalia, Alert Bay Parish Hall, 1922

"The confiscated masks and other goods were transported out in the open by boat and then were put on exhibition on benches in the Parish Hall of the Anglican Church at Alert Bay. It was particularly difficult for the Kwakwaka'wakw to endure the display of the materials openly in the boat because these items were sacred and were considered to be treasures. Strict tradition required that they be stored away in cedar boxes out of sight when not in use."

- photo: Vivien Lord, Royal BC Museum, PN 12209

I'wakalas, Chief Harry Hanuse (1882- 1927) with his wife May (nee Charlie)

"One of the many chiefs who surrendered their regalia under duress after 1921 Cranmer potlatch with his wife and children, right to left: Alex, Jack, Dan, Fred and the baby is probably Flora. ‘Mim’kwamlis, Village Island, c.1924"

- photo: Stanley Hunt Private Collection


-U'MISTA Cultural Society, 2019