“Chiefly Possessions” Series 1 Episode 9

The accumulation of wealth has been linked to the collection of high art throughout most of human existence. With Haida culture, this is particularly true. In the potlatch system, a practice outlawed by the federal government during the early 20th century, the display of crests and the carving of totems were usually at the behest of important chiefs. Jim Hart became Chief 7Idansuu (Edenshaw) in 1998. In an elaborate ceremony, he took possession of a chiefly name and along with it the range of art that becomes part of the chief's regalia. In preparation, Hart carved a 60-foot totem pole, commissioned a headdress frontlet and the weaving of a chief's robe, and organized a two-day potlatch. In Chiefly Possessions, Chief 7Idansuu recalls the event two years later, offering a glimpse of the process during a trip to his clan's traditional village site at Kiusta.

Shot on British Columbia's rugged northwest coast, Ravens and Eagles: Haida Art delves into the roots of traditional Haida art and traces the genesis of today's generation of Haida carvers, singers, dancers, weavers and performers. Over two series, Ravens and Eagles explores some of the wider historical and political issues of the repatriation of Haida artifacts, the vital potlatch ceremony once declared illegal by the Canadian government, and the fight to preserve old growth forest on Haida land. Created by Haida filmmaker Marianne Jones and Jeff Bear, Ravens and Eagles approaches Haida art and culture from the Haida perspective.

Produced by: Jeff Bear, Marianne Jones, Ravens and Eagles Productions