Description
Part of Archives paintings, drawings, and prints collection
Image Licence
All Rights Reserved
Image Credit
Courtesy of Royal BC Museum
Location
Alert Bay, Cormorant Island, British Columbia, Canada
Country
Canada
Medium
Watercolour
Tags
Category
Buildings & Architecture
TWW Comment
In 1921, the Government of Canada, in an effort to stop the potlatch custom of dance, song, and wealth distribution under Section 116 of the Indian Act, confiscated many items including wooden masks, copper shields, and dance regalia. During the 1970s and 80s, the Kwakwaka'wakw regained their possessions after long negotiations. The returned artifacts are housed in a museum at the U'mista Cultural Centre.
