Potlatch 67–67: The Potlatch Ban - Then and Now

Potlatch 67–67: The Potlatch Ban – Then and Now examines the impact of the attempted cultural genocide through the potlatch ban and the resilience of Indigenous people in maintaining and reclaiming traditional cultural practices and in creating new forms of cultural expression. 2018 marks the 67th year since the Canadian government’s Potlatch Ban was lifted, after it was imposed on Indigenous people for 67 years.

Nagezdi, Rob Everson Hereditary Chief of the Gigalgam Walas Kwaguł, recognized that many Canadians do not understand the history of Indigenous peoples. He envisioned an Indigenous art exhibition and cultural program that would powerfully engage the local community and fellow Canadians, both Indigenous and settler, about this shared history and the impact. With organizers, community partners, artists, and a clear vision, the creators of Potlatch 67–67 present this convergent thematic program.

The thematic program includes the art exhibition Hiłt̕sist̕a’a̱m (The Copper Will Be Fixed), a creative residency, community engagement through traditional ceremony and knowledge-sharing, performance, film screening, sharing circles, Blanket Exercise workshops, documentation practices, a dedicated website and an e-publication.

VISIT THE POTLATCH 67–67 WEBSITE

Events

 
THE BLANKET EXERCISE – A POTLATCH 67–67 TEACHING
facilitated by Keisha Everson and Dea Finny Lewis
June 08 6 – 8pm, Native Son’s Hall, 360 Cliffe Ave, Courtenay
Admission by donation.
 
FILM SCREENING: POTLATCH 67–67
Beau Dick: Maker of Monsters (Directors/Producers: Natalia Tudge / LaTiesha Fazakas) + I’TUSTOGALIS: Rising Up Together Our Voices, Our Stories: Demolition Ceremony of the St. Michael’s Residential School (Director/Producer: Barb Cranmer)
July 05 7 – 10pm, Sid Williams Theatre, 442 Cliffe Ave, Courtenay
 
ART EXHIBITION: HIŁT̕SIST̕A’A̱M (THE COPPER WILL BE FIXED)
July 20 – October 4 2018, Comox Valley Art Gallery
 
WELCOMING / ART OPENING / CEREMONY / ART TALKS
July 20 6 – 9pm, Comox Valley Art Gallery
 
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT / CULTURAL SHARING EVENT
July 21 11am – 4pm, The Kumugwe Bighouse, 3240 Comox Road, Courtenay
This is a ticketed event, details TBA
 
CLOSING CEREMONY
October 4 11am–4pm, Comox Valley Art Gallery
 

Acknowledgements

 
CVAG gratefully acknowledges the support of Canada Council for the Arts, BC Arts Council, Government of Canada, Province of BC, City of Courtenay, Town of Comox, Comox Valley Regional District, BC Gaming, Sure Copy, SD71 Printshop, ABC Printing & Signs, and Hitec Printing. We especially thank all of our volunteers, donors, and members. The Kumugwe Cultural Society would like to acknowledge Canada Council for the Arts Creating, Knowing and Sharing: The Arts and Cultures of First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples program, Comox Valley Community Justice Centre, Strathcona Rotary, Comox Valley Regional District, City of Courtenay, Town of Comox, Village of Cumberland, School District 71, School District 72, Sid Williams Theatre, St George’s United Church, Campbell River/Courtenay Labour Council, Chan Nowosad Boates CPA, Moeller Matthews CPA, F&M Installations Ltd, Tria Fine Catering, and Relay Rentals.

Photograph courtesy Zac Whyte.

CVAG acknowledges with gratitude that we are on the Unceded Traditional Territory of the K’omoks First Nation.

Exhibitions

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  Hiłt̕sist̕a’a̱m (The Copper Will Be Fixed)

  Hiłt̕sist̕a’a̱m (The Copper Will Be Fixed) is part of the Potlatch 67–67: The Potlatch Ban - Then and Now program.

  July 20 - October 4 2018