New children's book explores history of Canada's potlatch ban

Growing up, Samantha Beynon struggled with reading and writing. 

She overcame those challenges, later earning a university degree and becoming a teacher. It was while spending time in the classroom she noticed a lack of curriculum for children to learn about Indigenous traditions, culture and history. 

Now a Nisga'a educator and author, Beynon is trying to fill that gap, and has just released a new children's book, Celebrating Potlatches, all about the important ceremonies that were banned by the Canadian government for over 65 years. 

Potlatches are specific to Indigenous communities on the west coast, where nations gather in song, dance and prayer to commemorate significant life events, such as a birth or marriage.

"Potlatches are about generosity and leadership," Beynon told CBC's Daybreak North. "It's a time to share food, stories, songs, dances and gifts. It's how we honour our guests, show respect and how we keep our traditions strong."  

The ban on potlatches was legislated under an 1884 amendment to the 1876 Indian Act by the Canadian government, which came into effect in 1885, according to the Canadian Encyclopedia. 

The legislation made it a criminal offence for anyone to participate in a potlatch — and if they were caught doing so, they ran the risk of being arrested. 

The potlatch ban was reversed when the Indian Act was revised in 1951. 

Beynon said despite the ban, First Nations in B.C. kept the tradition alive, hosting potlatch ceremonies in secret. 

The picture book is made for young children, aiming to make a heavy topic easier to digest, said Beynon. 

"I believe in the power of stories and I'm excited to keep sharing them with the next generation," she said.

The book is inspired by Beynon's late great-grandfather, William Beynon, who was a Ts'msyen and Nisga'a hereditary chief and oral historian. 

Beynon said her great-grandfather helped preserve the culture of the Ts'msyen and Nisga'a peoples by working with elders and researchers to compile thousands of pages of stories, documenting the languages and traditional ceremonies.

"His work helped protect our culture during a time when it was under attack. Today his records still guide language revitalization, treaty work and cultural education."

Beynon said that as Indigenous people continue to reclaim their culture, potlatches can only grow stronger.

"Our future generations are going to be extremely proud." 

The official book launch of Celebrating Potlatches is scheduled for Saturday, June 21, on National Indigenous People's Day, at the Royal B.C. Museum in Victoria.