Potlatch Celebration
Dear Editor: Oftentimes there are little pockets of Sitka that come alive with a powerfully positive energy that needs a little extra “share.”
If you weren’t able to attend the Potlatch Celebration on Saturday night, you missed quite a celebration of life. It was an event in support for suicide prevention, recovery from drug and alcohol addiction, and domestic violence prevention and awareness.
We live among impressive people who choose to reflect deeply and live a much fuller existence by facing fears and addictions. They bravely make choices every moment to overcome and rise above their obstacles to freedom. This annual event creates a ceremony around appreciating these lives.
One life that received extra honor was Kenyatta Bradley. He was given a hand-carved paddle with the Watchman symbol done by Robert Hoffman. The Watchman symbol protects a family or village, in this case it honors an individual or organization that promotes recovery by their actions which in turn protects those around them from the consequences of domestic violence, suicide or alcoholism and drug abuse. Kenyatta has a true servant heart. He is always lending a hand to friends and family, sharing his fish or latest hunt, and supporting all the people who surround him in generous ways. His caring spirit and authentic appreciation for others is clear and recovery means a lot to him and his family.
He has tirelessly volunteered as the master of custodial arts at the Hames Center, keeping the facility clean and ready for people who are prioritizing their health. My applause to Kenyatta and all the folks who made the Potlatch Celebration at the Sheet’ka Kwaan Naa Kahidi such an inspired night.
Cindy Edwards, Sitka
