The Legacy of Storyteller Cohen Bradley

Legacy is seen differently in different cultures. While in Western societies, legacy is often about the individual's mark on history, in Cohen Bradley's Haida culture, legacy is about the collective stories and the weaving together of those stories. The weaving is a metaphor for passing on the stories and preserving the culture. The legacy of the Haida people is seen in their monumental art, story poles, longhouses, canoes, and dance masks. However, Cohen believes that the unsung hero of their culture is their weaving, which supported their clothing, fishing, and storage needs. He shares an example of their legacy by recounting the history of the Haida people and their resilience against colonial forces. Cohen also describes a potlatch, a traditional ceremony where clans and nations come together to feast, conduct business, and reaffirm their connections. He shares his personal experience of participating in a potlatch and raising a memorial pole, which symbolizes wealth and status for a chief. Throughout the event, the importance of songs, stories, language, art, and traditions in preserving the culture is emphasized. Cohen reflects on the concept of names and multiple identities in his culture, highlighting the duty to build on the wealth and status of names and pass them on. He encourages everyone to consider the collective legacy we leave for future generations, emphasizing the need to prioritize our environment, make decisions with collective well-being in mind, and build up our names with pride. Cohen concludes by urging individuals to think beyond personal achievements and aspire to be part of a collective legacy that future generations will be grateful for.