My my original intention in this episode of Tales of the Magic Skagit was to interview Jay Bowen, Tony Cladoosby, and Dr. Wilbert James (aka, "Doc') about a Facebook video project they host called "Rez Talks." The three friends and collaborators are now preparing to take their weekly discussions on stories, histories, and perspectives from the First People of the Skagit Valley into the podcast space, and I wanted to find out more about their plans.
Even before we got into the topic of the new podcast series, we delved into a subject that I had long been interested in: the nature of names in tribal cultures, how they become lost and found, and the obligations they impose on the bearer. We end what at times may seem like dark subject matter with a story from Jay's life of a naming potlatch that bears a resemblance to a certain New Testament account of feeding a multitude.
The interview begins with "Doc" explaining the origins of his Swinomish name, Toctud.
By the way, the story I originally planned about "Rez Talks" will appear in the next episode of Tales of the Magic Skagit. I think you'll enjoy it.
