When Derek Washington heard that the Canadian version of the popular game show Family Feud was looking for indigenous competitors, his first thought was: What a great opportunity for a family reunion!

Derek lives in Gaw Tlagée Old Massett, where he works as water operator for the village. Two of his sisters and his dad live in Ontario and they’ve only gotten together twice before. Here was a rare chance to meet for a Family Feud Canada taping in Toronto, all expenses paid. To have what Derek called “our 15 minutes of fame.” And possibly win thousands of dollars in prize money.

So this past summer, they applied, and they were selected for a Zoom audition. They were asked to introduce themselves in a vivid fashion, so they decided to fugue on the letter “W” for Washington. Heather Roberts, the team leader, was the “wild” one, Derek was the “wacky” brother, Melissa was “wonderful,” Neena Hart was “whimsical,” and dad Arthur was the “wise” backbone of the team.

Derek designed T-shirts for the team emblazoned with black tape in the form of a giant “W” and they shouted together: “We’re the Washingtons and we’re here to win!”

Naturally, they aced the audition, and they were invited to Toronto. There, show producers primed them for the taping. Show lots of enthusiasm. Lots of smiling and conviviality and high fives. Don’t boo the opposing family but do cross your arms in an X when it’s their turn to guess.

Clap a lot. Always be positive. Said Derek: “The producers really work with you, they want the family to look their best, so they hype you up.”

In the taping before a studio audience, Team Washington exceeded expectations.

Host Gerry Dee: “What was it like, Neena, growing up on Haida Gwaii?”

Neena: “It was amazing. Derek and I were raised there as free-range kids and our parents didn’t know where we were. We didn’t have to be afraid of anything but bears.”

But it was dad Arthur who had the show’s Golden Moment.

Gerry: “We surveyed a hundred Canadians, the top eight answers on the board. Name something you might put on if you know you are going to run into your ex.”

Arthur: “My running shoes!”

Gerry: “This is Season 4. That might be the funniest answer . . . that is a great answer.”

The Washingtons just missed out in the $10,000 round but won $900 in prize money and the right to return for a subsequent game against another family, which they lost. Still, Derek called it a “win-win” experience. And he encouraged all families to try it.

The two episodes can be seen on CBC’s digital streaming service, CBC Gem, at gem.cbc.ca/media/family-feud-canada/s04e13 and gem.cbc.ca/media/family-feud-canada/s04e14.

Photos courtesy of CBC