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In 1884, the Canadian government enacted a ban on the potlatch, the foundational ceremony of the Haida people. The tradition, which determined social structure, transmitted cultural knowledge, and redistributed wealth, was seen as a cultural impediment to the government's aim of assimilation.
The tradition did not die, however; the knowledge of the ceremony was kept alive by the Elders through other events until the ban was lifted. In 1969, a potlatch was held. The occasion: the raising of a totem pole carved by Robert Davidson, the first the community had seen in close to 80 years. From then on, the community publicly reclaimed, from the Elders who remained to share it, the knowledge that has almost been lost.
Sara Florence Davidson, Robert's daughter, would become an educator. Over the course of her own education, she came to see how the traditions of the Haida practiced by her father-holistic, built on relationships, practical, and continuous-could be integrated into contemporary educational practices. From this realization came the roots for this book.
The tradition did not die, however; the knowledge of the ceremony was kept alive by the Elders through other events until the ban was lifted. In 1969, a potlatch was held. The occasion: the raising of a totem pole carved by Robert Davidson, the first the community had seen in close to 80 years. From then on, the community publicly reclaimed, from the Elders who remained to share it, the knowledge that has almost been lost.
Sara Florence Davidson, Robert's daughter, would become an educator. Over the course of her own education, she came to see how the traditions of the Haida practiced by her father-holistic, built on relationships, practical, and continuous-could be integrated into contemporary educational practices. From this realization came the roots for this book.
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Reviews
"In 1969, Sara's father Robert raised a totem pole in the community, demonstrating a commitment to tradition and stitching together stories and practices from community Elders that helped to honour traditional wisdom and revive Indigenous knowledge. In recounting how her father learned traditions and took up totem carving and potlatching, Sara has raised a new pole with this book, and shares knowl
Dr. Jean-Paul Restoule, Professor and Chair, Indigenous Education, University of Victoria
"An uplifting, inspiring, and insightful book. Indigenous pedagogy is a developing field of study and practice to which this work is a valuable contribution. Given that Indigenous cultural revitalization and celebration is frequently localized in regard to community and national relevance, this book's focus on Haida is essential. Davidson and Davidson offer readers an important exploration of how
Dr. Frank Deer, Canada Research Chair and Associate Professor, University of Manitoba
"This is not a book to be read quickly; it requires reflection to fully appreciate its content, purpose, and value. But time spent with Potlatch as Pedagogy will connect you with the Davidsons' stories and enrich your understanding of Haida knowledge, culture, and historical struggles; and stimulate thought for considering how Indigenous knowledge, storytelling, and pedagogies could be included in
Anita Miettunen