First Nations Legacy - "Potlatch"

Imagine inviting your entire neighborhood over for dinner and then letting them take home leftovers… and most of your furniture. That’s the spirit of potlatch.

Many of the tribes of the Northwest coast in the U.S. and Canada have carried on this tradition despite the fact that missionaries once condemned the practice as useless and satanic. Potlatch was banned in the 1800s.

Potlatch is a way to celebrate birth, marriage, death and rites of passage. Families spend time, money and effort to gather things like blankets, horses, canoes and fabric. Giving these things away is an honor.

Most modern tribal gatherings include a version of potlatch, often called a giveaway. Music, dancing, speeches and blessings may be part of the ceremonies.

Potlatch was made legal again in the 1930s after many tribes petitioned the U.S government. They argued it was similar to celebrating Christmas.

The spirit of giving is very much a part of American culture – we are a nation of volunteers and generous contributors.