This Was the Time

This Was the Time 1970 Directed by Eugene Boyko

When Masset, a Haida village in Haida Gwaii (formerly known as the Queen Charlotte Islands), held a potlatch, it seemed as if the past grandeur of the people had returned. This is a colourful recreation of Indigenous life that faded more than two generations ago when the great totems were toppled by the missionaries and the costly potlatch was forbidden by law. The film shows how one village lived again the old glory, with singing, dancing, feasting, and the raising of a towering totem as a lasting reminder of what once was.

Country Canada

Production Country Canada

Language English

Spoken Language English

Gnere Documentary

Production Company ONF | NFB

Release Date 1 January 1970

16 mins