Potlatch Explanation, Smoke From His Fire Excerpt

This segment of Smoke From His Fire ©2007, explains the Kwakwaka’wakw Potlatch System is an unprecedented manner from Ninogaad (knowledge holders) Kwaxsistalla and Myanilth. Both were uniquely trained according to their gender, since childhood and were the last to be trained in this manner. The Potlatch is explained as this system was organized prior to the anti-potlatch laws in Canada. Kwaxsistalla himself modified many of the ceremonies to accommodate the underground practise of potlatching that occurred in his Clan until the laws lifted in 1951. Kwaxsistalla was the last traditionally trained Potlatch Speaker in the Kwakwaka'wakw Nation, with teachings and ceremonies from the beginning of time.
Smoke From His Fire film segment is submitted by Oqwilowgwa, Kim Recalma-Clutesi who is majority share holder of Smoke From His Fire Inc and is producer, director, writer and narrator for the film. Oqwilowgwa submits Smoke From His Fire under the umbrella of the Ninogaad Knowledge Keepers Foundation, for which she is CEO.