Legends of the Kwakwaka'wakw
Off the northern tip of Vancouver Island, a small group of people has survived since time began. Their stories capture the essence of their relationship with the sea and its creatures, and the rites, rituals and traditions that have survived despite their immersion in an ever-changing world. CBC Radio's Legends Project compiles traditional oral stories, legends and histories of Canada's Inuit and First Nations, gathered in communities across the country.
Alert Bay (Google Maps link) nestles on Cormorant Island, a three mile long, half mile wide island three kilometres northeast of Vancouver Island, British Columbia.
Alert Bay and Cormorant Island are the names given by the English in the 1800s, but this community was one of several traditional Kwakwaka'wakw villages. The Kwakwaka'wakw were resettled and schooled by government in Alert Bay. Laws were passed banning their potlatch ceremony. Their language, art, and culture were driven underground. In 1904, the Kwakwaka'wakw, now the Namgis First Nation, were believed to number fewer than 200.
Their art, potlatches, songs, and traditions are being revitalized with help from organizations such as the U'Mista Cultural Centre, in Alert Bay. It is U'Mista's mandate to repatriate the many ceremonial artifacts that were taken by museums and private collectors around the world when they believed the Kwakwaka'wakw were -- or would soon be -- extinct. U'Mista is actively protecting the language, songs, and traditions in its big house ceremonies and archives. It was through teaming up with the dedicated and talented staff and supportive elders that the CBC Radio Legacy team was able to adapt into English some of the traditional legends for this project.
In these legends you will hear some of the timeless Kwakwaka'wakw values: tradition of giving away to show one's wealth, the connection to the majestic killer whales, the significance of the uligan and the cedar tree, and the influence of the islands and sea and all that they have provided for the Kwakwaka'wakw since the beginning of time.
While these stories are in English, the same stories have also been produced in Kwak'wala. It is hoped that these original language versions will help promote and protect the endangered language now and for future generations.
Cast List
The Path of Our Ancestors
From a legend told by Lalaka̱nis. Originally written by Hiłamas William Wasden Jr.
A story that celebrates how the Kwakwaka'wakw survived the Great Flood and came to discover their ancestral trail known today as The Grease Trail.
Narrator Bobby Jo (Robert Joseph)
Kwanxwala Arthur Dick
U'Malame Sean Whonnock
Chief 1 Bruce Alfred
Chief 2 William Wasden
Brother 1 Alvin Stevens
Brother 2 Ernest Alfred
The Little Wren
From a legend told by Pauline Alfred.
This is a story of respect and consideration for others, and how a large elk learned this lesson from a tiny little wren.
Narrator Pauline Alfred
Wren Mariah Wadhams
Elk Ernest Alfred
Max'inuxw the Killer Whale Stalks Its Prey
From a legend told by Henry and Helen "Teen" Hunt.
This is a story of how a young hunter discovered why the Killer Whale is one of the most highly respected creatures in the Kwakwaka'wakw culture.
Narrator Andrea Cranmer
Boy 1 & 4 Alvin Stevens
Boy 2 & 5 Ernest Alfred
Boy 3 Christopher Speck
Maxinuxw Bobby Jo (Robert Joseph)
Peace Treaty with the Mi'max'inuxw - The Killer Whales
From a legend told by Chief 'Maxwayalis Charlie Matilpi.
This is a story of how max'inuxw, the killer whale and the Kwakwaka'wakw agreed to stop hunting each other and to live in harmony.
Narrator Vera Newman
Boy Ernest Alfred
Maxinuxw Bobby Jo (Robert Joseph)
Chief Arthur Dick
The Origin of Dances and the Potlatch
As told by 'Namgis Chief Wawi'igesu'
This is a story of how the traditional lands of the Kwakiutl were formed, and how the Kwakiutl learned their ancient traditions of gift giving and dancing.
Narrator Bobby Jo (Robert Joseph)
Narrator (2) Bruce Alfred
Kanikilakw Arthur Dick
Gwanalais Waylon Isaac
Epilogue 1 Pewi (Dorothy) Alfred
Epilogue 2 Ernest Alfred