Recalma-Clutesi is Kwaxsitalla's traditional wife in the ways of their culture. Mid-way through the interview, she asks for a moment while she takes time to give Kwaxsitalla his insulin shot. At 79, he is dealing with diabetes and heart disease, and Recalma-Clutesi knows it's a race now against time. She believes it is so important to document the vast amount of knowledge he carries for future generations. Smoke From His Fire aired on APTN Feb.20. The film received a nomination from the American Indian Film Festival, held in San Francisco last year. Recalma-Clutesi is currently working out a DVD distribution agreement.

The anti-potlatch laws came into effect in the late 1800's and there had been a devastating loss of Native people on the west coast of British Columbia. This all coincided with the institution of residential schools, and laws instituted and carried out against the Kwaxkwaka'wakw people for practicing their own cultural laws and dances. The people resisted the only way they knew how and that was through the precise training that Kwaxsistalla was given from birth. Today, there are only a handful of people with the knowledge of cultural laws, protocols and history, said Recalma-Clutesi.

Motion pictures
Native culture