Northwest Coast Indians

The story of the Northwest Coast Indians and the loss of their culture is the subject examined. Harry Tschopik, AMNH ethnologist, discusses the recent disappearance of the Coast Indians' culture as a result of an obsession with a tribal institution called potlatch. A ceremony in which tribal members try to outdo each other by giving away their most prized possessions, this practice eventually undermined their economic and traditional value system. Some of the artifacts, such as carvings, masks and totem poles, are brought into the television studio for this program. A shadow play illustrates the potlatch ceremony. The consuming passion for potlatch eventually led tribesmen to give away or kill slaves taken during raids. The practice was outlawed by the Canadian Government in 1903. As the fishing industry moved into the area, the general economic values were severely disrupted. Tschopik discusses the present Indian community and his findings that they do not show an interest in the old culture. Uncredited film material showing Indians carving masks and totem poles, harvesting food, fishing, and dancing is also presented.