potlatch

An activist and artist, he was a devotee of the wealth-redistributing feast known as the potlatch, which he called “the best form of resistance we have” against Western capitalism.

The skillful netting of ducks scared up from Lake Union provided ample protein for potlatches and other tribal festivities.

“We bring it out at every potlatch,” George said.

Cultural gatherings like the canoe journey shared among tribes at Puget Sound and potlatches — ceremonial feasts that involve gift giving — are part of the equation, he said.

“They remember potlatch funerals with only 20-30 people — a generation was wiped out by the pandemic of 1918. That has been an ongoing reflection for me this entire year.”