Celebrating Potlatches

Samantha Beynon, illustrated by Carla Joseph
Publisher: Strong Nations Publishing Inc.

Book Description

Inspired by Ts’msyen Chief William Beynon’s historic notebooks on Potlatches in the Gitxsan village of Gitsegukla, Celebrating Potlatches pairs intergenerational storytelling with beautiful illustrations to honour Indigenous traditions. From the award-winning author of Oolichan Moon and the accomplished illustrator of Be a Good Ancestor, this book recounts the 1885 Potlatch ban and the resilience of the communities who fought to keep their traditions alive.

Author Bio

Samantha Beynon was born and raised on Kxeen Island, British Columbia, on her ancestral Ts’msyen land. She now lives and works on the unceded territories of the lək̓ʷəŋən-speaking Peoples and the W̱SÁNEĆ Peoples. She has Nisg̱a’a, Ts’msyen, and European heritage with roots in Ging̱olx, Gitlax̱tʼaamiks, and Lax Kw’alaams. Maternally, she comes from Wilps Axdii Wil Luugooda (The House that is Always Full) and the Ganhada Frog Clan. She comes from the family names Beynon, Trimble, Gurney, Adams, and Fitzgerald. Samantha holds a Master of Education in Educational Leadership from Vancouver Island University, and she is committed to lifelong learning and supporting her community through Indigenous education. She is a passionate writer and educator, a loving mother and wife, and the author of Oolichan Moon and Celebrating Potlatches.

Illustrator Bio

Carla Joseph is a Cree/Métis artist from Prince George, BC, who loves sharing joy through her art. She was an artist-in-residence at the Prince George Community Arts Council, and she won Art Battle Prince George in 2016 and 2018. Carla’s unique artwork can be found in many children’s books, including Be a Good Ancestor, I am Connected, and Celebrating Potlatches.