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Old Fort Babine Potlatch
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by Diana Roberts
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| In August of each year, the Rotary Club of Burns Lake takes exchange students, from all over the world, on a wilderness adventure. For 11 years, they have gone to Tweedsmuir Park, but this year they decided to do something different. They spent 5 days at Spindrift Lodge, near Old Fort Babine, where the students were able to learn something about Native customs and the way First Nations people fish.
Chief Betty Patrick, of the Lake Babine Nation, agreed to put on a mock potlatch so the students would get a first-hand look at native customs. Mock potlatches are not normally done, as they are very sacred ceremonies but, in this case, an exception was made.
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Chief Betty Patrick of the Lake Babine Nation
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| Chief Patrick said it gave her young people a chance to participate, so they could start to understand the system and reactivate the traditions.
Potlatches are the traditional form of government for the First Nations people. They are used to celebrate births and weddings, as well as to conduct business, make announcements, also for name giving, funerals and headstones. The clan who hosts the potlatch will invite those who don't belong to their clan. The hosts will do all the work for the potlatch, as well as bring all the gifts for their guests.
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Dick Alec leading the Bear Clan in their traditional dance
(Following photos courtesy of Dave Fountain)
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The Native people apply their traditional values at potlatches. These are trust, respect, honesty and transparency. All of the clan members are a witness as to how you conduct your business. Everyone has to follow protocol and they must honor each and every person there. If someone gets mad and leaves, they are brought back in and dealt with properly.
The Native language is very important to the people, so it is the only language spoken at potlatches.
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