Ketchikan
Our last stop in Alaska. About twenty-five of us accepted Tlingit elder Joe William’s invitation to experience a potlatch at Cape Fox Lodge. His daughter Elizabeth walked us through the town as a preamble to what was a memorable and moving experience. We entered a large room and were given a symbol of the family’s clan, the Eagle, before sitting down to an array of traditional Tlingit treats including reindeer sausage and smoked salmon. Joe gave a very informative talk about the Tlingit culture, and how it has changed so as to adapt to the 21st century. He then introduced Lee Wallace, a Haida master carver who not only spoke passionately of his profession, but also brought some exceptionally fine pieces of his work. Then Joe introduced the final stage of the ceremony. What followed was mesmerizing – the strong drumming and singing of traditional songs accompanied by young dancers from Joe’s family in ceremonial costume. The youngest dancer stole everyone’s heart - Joe’s little granddaughter.
Part of the potlatch tradition is the giving of gifts; the Williams family gave us the best gift of all - a memory of the Tlingit culture.
Our last stop in Alaska. About twenty-five of us accepted Tlingit elder Joe William’s invitation to experience a potlatch at Cape Fox Lodge. His daughter Elizabeth walked us through the town as a preamble to what was a memorable and moving experience. We entered a large room and were given a symbol of the family’s clan, the Eagle, before sitting down to an array of traditional Tlingit treats including reindeer sausage and smoked salmon. Joe gave a very informative talk about the Tlingit culture, and how it has changed so as to adapt to the 21st century. He then introduced Lee Wallace, a Haida master carver who not only spoke passionately of his profession, but also brought some exceptionally fine pieces of his work. Then Joe introduced the final stage of the ceremony. What followed was mesmerizing – the strong drumming and singing of traditional songs accompanied by young dancers from Joe’s family in ceremonial costume. The youngest dancer stole everyone’s heart - Joe’s little granddaughter.
Part of the potlatch tradition is the giving of gifts; the Williams family gave us the best gift of all - a memory of the Tlingit culture.
