Item AAAC0124 - Alert Bay potlatch : [field recordings, 1968]

CALL NUMBER: T4365:0253 RECORDED: Alert Bay (B.C.), 1968-05 SUMMARY: "Alert Bay Potlatch" is a series of eight tapes comprising field recordings produced by Norman Newton at Alert Bay in 1968. These recordings document the ceremonies commemorating a new building built ;as a Centennial project to house ceremonial dance performances. TAPE 1: Opening announcements (15:00). Mention is made of Chief James Knox (Fort Rupert), Chief Speck, Chief Scow, Bill Holm, and attend;ant Charlie George. Ceremonial background about the Kwakiutl nation is given. Chief Scow is the master of ceremonies.; CALL NUMBER: T4365:0254 RECORDED: Alert Bay (B.C.), 1968-05 SUMMARY: TAPE 2: The master of ceremonies provides the audience with descriptions of the dance events and the ceremonial objects. He discusses the history and traditions behind each performance, and its impor;tance to the Kwakiutl nation and Fort Rupert.; CALL NUMBER: T4365:0255 RECORDED: Alert Bay (B.C.), 1968-05 SUMMARY: TAPE 3: Continued. The master Of ceremonies mentions the Hunt family song, as well as the dance of Chief Knox, performed by members of his family.; CALL NUMBER: T4365:0256 RECORDED: Alert Bay (B.C.), 1968-05 SUMMARY: TAPE 4: Continued. The master of ceremonies mentions the family members of Chief Sewid, Chief Speck and Chief Knox who participated in the dances. Information is also provided about family and dance ;ownership among the Kwakiutl First Nation.; CALL NUMBER: T4365:0257 RECORDED: Alert Bay (B.C.), 1968-05 SUMMARY: TAPE 5: The master of ceremonies mentions family members of Chief Knox who perform various dances. Chief James Knox's family is celebrated as a high ranking family within the Kwakiutl First Nation, an;d mention is made of his ancestors' role in the historic 1851 agreement with the Hudson's Bay Company factors. The Transformer Dance is also described.; CALL NUMBER: T4365:0258 RECORDED: Alert Bay (B.C.), 1968-05 SUMMARY: TAPE 6: The Seagull Dance and the Red Cedar Bark Dance are mentioned. The master of ceremonies also introduces Bill Holm and Chief Henry Bell's wife.; CALL NUMBER: T4365:0259 RECORDED: Alert Bay (B.C.), 1968-05 SUMMARY: TAPE 7: Includes speeches from the Chiefs of the Kwakiutl First Nation, praising the revival and exhibition of these dances and their culture. These traditional performances were historically enjoyed ;by various First Nations for the happiness of their people. The Chief Council is named (12:30), and background information is provided (14:00) about the construction of the building as a project to ma;rk the Centennial of Confederation (1967).; CALL NUMBER: T4365:0260 RECORDED: Alert Bay (B.C.), 1968-05 SUMMARY: TAPE 8: This recording documents dances by the wives of Chief Johnson and Chief Knox at the conclusion of the ceremony, and celebrates the happiness and joy of the attendance of such a large gathering;.;