Learning through Experience: The Potlatch

This past week, students had the opportunity to learn from Ronn Wilson or Longclaw about cultural interpretation, language, culture, animals, history, art, dance, and music. Longclaw, a member of an indigenous tribe from Vancouver Island, shared parts of his philosophy, experiences, and art with the students. He also taught the students several games that involved listening and problem solving.

One of the highlights of his two day visit to Seabury School was the museum exhibits. Longclaw had a booth for each tribe along the Pacific Northwest Coast with some artifacts dating to 300 years ago. He had water-tight baskets woven out of cedar pulp, cedar clothing, cedar cooking boxes, obsidian sharp edges, combs, shells used for money, headdresses, utensils, fire-starters, and masks.

The middle school students viewed the exhibit twice. Once for them to touch, learn, and interact with the artifacts, and one to help the youngest students at school do the same. It was amazing to watch our middle school students share their excitement, energy, and respect for the artifacts and cultures represented with the pre-K through second grade students.

On the final night of Longclaw's visit, he hosted a Potlatch ceremony. Every student was invited to participate in a dance. Participation was optional. The middle school students took on prominent rolls, drumming on a long drum, dancing the canoe dance, and even welcoming spirits, like the Sasquatch, to the ceremony. One middle schooler even had the opportunity to act as Sasquatch.

As Longclaw often repeated,
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The students are likely to remember much of what they learned about the cultures of the Pacific Northwest Peoples. They were so impressed and awed by the technologies invented so long ago without plastic or even much metal.

We owe a debt of gratitude to Longclaw for creating this experience for our students. Thank you to all of the middle schoolers who chose to participate in the Potlatch ceremony as well. You helped the whole school learn through experience.