People of the Potlatch
The Indigenous peoples of northern British Columbia still hunt and fish, using a combination of traditional ways and modern equipment and techniques where appropriate. Lumbering and trapping bring them money and goods. Their traditional arts and crafts, however, remain essentially unchanged. This archival film reflects the social and cultural values and beliefs prevalent at the time of production.
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directorLaura Boulton
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producerLaura Boulton
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photographyLeroy Robbins
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associate editorMargaret Perry
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consultantMarius Barbeau
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participationMarius Barbeau
Research salmon fishing in this area and consider how regulations, canneries and industrialization affected these communities. What is the “Potlatch,” and what was the Canadian government’s role in these ceremonies? What are the stated effects of missionary intervention and “Canadian Government Schools”? Research these schools and consider their effect on these populations. How does the film attempt to shape the experiences of these communities through voice, terminology and representation? Compare to mainstream media representations of First Nations peoples.
