TED Talks Daily How to weave a cultural legacy through storytelling | Cohen Bradley
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Jun 15, 2023 
Cohen Bradley, a Haida storyteller, explores the vital role of storytelling and potlatch ceremonies in preserving cultural legacies. He emphasizes how ancestral narratives shape identity and reflect communal heritage. Bradley shares personal insights on raising a memorial pole, showcasing the importance of community connections in overcoming colonial impacts. He advocates for mindful storytelling that enriches future generations, arguing that our legacies are woven through the collective tales we share, rather than individual pursuits.
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Legacy: A Cultural Contrast
- Western cultures often define legacy as the mark left on history, symbolized by statues.
- Cohen Bradley suggests that in Haida culture, legacy is viewed differently.
Colonial Legacy on Haida Gwaii
- European explorers brought diseases and cultural destruction to Haida Gwaii.
- Their colonial legacy includes smallpox, potlatch bans, and the ransacking of villages.
Haida Resilience and Potlatch
- The true Haida legacy lies in their resilience and cultural survival.
- This is evident in their continued practice of potlatch ceremonies and honoring their chiefs.