In the contemporary Pacific NW coast Potlatch story published by Raven Publishing Inc., “Welcome Family and Friends to Our Bighouse,” talented First Nations author Nella Nelson bases her story on her experiences at Potlatches throughout her life. Depicted throughout the book in her traditional First Nations (Indigenous) regalia and also in her contemporary clothes, author Nella Nelson plays the role of mother in the story.
We welcome readers to experience the Pacific Northwest Coast traditional Indigenous business and also ceremonies of the Potlatch. Here, family, friends and guests do not bring or give gifts. Every witness to the wedding, naming, memorial, birth, listing of family connections and rights, story-telling or history-telling ceremonies leaves with a gift from the family that asks them to remember the detailed story of this particular Potlatch. Taking place today as it did in ages past, the Potlatch is held under a roof that can shelter up to 800 people - in the Bighouse.
Over a period of two or three days, story-telling, dancing, singing, drumming and speeches with participants wearing the traditional regalia of cedar bark or button blankets and huge carved cedar masks weave the ancient and modern stories into the minds and hearts of the people who are asked to witness. Told through the impressions of the young daughter of the family holding the Potlatch, the story contains accurate colour drawings and painted photos of a modern-day Potlatch that takes place on a small island off the coast of British Columbia in the town of Alert Bay, BC.
This contemporary Pacific NW coast Potlatch story is based on historical traditions. Nella says, “In essence, the teachings (of the Bighouse) provide the conduit for our people to reach back into the origin of time to conduct our sacred and traditional ceremonies related to the stages of life: birth, puberty, marriage, death, naming, and transferring of rights and privileges.
The teachings of her ancestors are alive today, so she (Gana) learns that she must always be aware that her conduct must support and reflect well on her family and community. The teachings she learns in the Bighouse are useful to Gana in her everyday life and continue to have value in the 21st century.”
Similar ceremonies are held from Alaska to British Columbia to Washington State and Oregon with regalia and stories unique to each Tribe and Band. Come on an adventure to a traditional Indigenous world in a modern time as you witness history in the making. Bring the whole family and all your friends to “Welcome Family and Friends to Our Bighouse!”