By N. Dicecco
At the core of the First Nations belief system is the philosophy of giving of one’s self or personal belonging to others in order to sustain the circle of life within the universe. As a child protection worker, this philosophical belief it clearly demonstrated by the caring and nurturing a native foster parent gives to the children placed in their home. Be them children within their own cultural or others, Read the rest of this entry >>
By Erin Cox
When attending an important celebration in today’s society, like a birth or a marriage, it is the guest who brings a gift to show their happiness for the occasion. But for the Kwakwaka’wakw people, the opposite is true. “When one’s heart is glad, he gives away gifts. Our creator gave it to us, to be our way of doing things, to be our way of rejoicing, we who are Indian. The Potlatch was given to us to be our way of expressing joy” – Agnes Alfred of Albert Bay (1980).
A potlatch is a ceremony intrinsic to the social and spiritual community of the Kwakwaka’wakw located in British Colombia. These ceremonies are thrown for all important celebrations of their community. Read the rest of this entry >>
By Erin Cox
When attending an important celebration in today’s society, like a birth or a marriage, it is the guest who brings a gift to show their happiness for the occasion. But for the Kwakwaka’wakw people, the opposite is true. “When one’s heart is glad, he gives away gifts. Our creator gave it to us, to be our way of doing things, to be our way of rejoicing, we who are Indian. The Potlatch was given to us to be our way of expressing joy” – Agnes Alfred of Albert Bay (1980).
A potlatch is a ceremony intrinsic to the social and spiritual community of the Kwakwaka’wakw located in British Colombia. Read the rest of this entry >>
By Marcia Llacuachaqui
Peruvians have a rich history in philanthropic activities, back in the time of the Inca Empire; “ayllus” were the basis on the Inca society. Ayllus consisted of families living together and sharing land, animals, and crops. Ayllu members worked the land cooperatively to produce food crops and cotton. This attitude of community assistance and helping each other in any situation is still alive among the descendants of the Incas today.
Two great examples of how Peruvians participate in philanthropic actions these days are seen in communal kitchens and carnivals.
Communal kitchens or comedores populares are well-known in Peru. Read the rest of this entry >>