Northwest Coast Tribes North Americas Rain Forest Cultures

Northwest Coast Tribes North America’s Rain Forest Cultures

Map of Northwest Coast Area

Raven, the Trickster/Creator • Raven’s combination of creator and trickster energy demonstrates the religious assurance of the Northwest Coast peoples. • This sculpture is by Haida artist Bill Reid (1920 -1998), entitled “Raven and the First Men; ” it appears on the Canadian $20 bill.

Local Northwest Animal Imagery

Potlatch • A multi-day ceremony marking a change in status, such as the election of a new chief, a marriage, the birth of a child, the building of a new house, etc. • Host proves worthy of new status by giving away wealth to potlatch guests • Guests provided with gifts on the basis of their status

Religious Dimensions of the Potlatch • Potlatch the principal location for masks and dances among northwest coast tribes. • Tribal legends and myths retold at potlatch, often with great elaboration. • This elaboration of stories shows selfconfidence of a materially secure people.

Potlatch • Guests arriving at a potlatch in Alaska, ca. 1895

Banning of the Potlatch • In 1885, the Canadian government banned the potlatch. • Sir John Macdonald, Canada’s first prime minister, voiced the prevailing view that, "It is not possible that Indians can acquire property or can become industrious with any good result while under the influence of this mania. ” • Government and Christian missionaries claimed the potlatch made Indians lazy. • Ban remained in effect through 1951. Potlatch attendees in Raven masks & costumes. From http: //www. collectionscanada. gc. ca/ decret-executif/023004 -3062 -e. html