potlatch

Everyday

A potlatch is a big traditional ceremony and feast of First Nations and Native American peoples of the Pacific Northwest coast of North America, such as the Kwakwaka'wakw and the Haida, where the host gives gifts to guests to mark important events like births, marriages, names and deaths. tree →

In the lessons

In history and social studies lessons in Canada and the USA, the potlatch shows how status and respect came from giving away wealth, not keeping it. The Canadian government banned potlatches for more than sixty years, which harmed these cultures; today potlatches are held again with pride. Common phrases: «hold a potlatch», «potlatch ceremony», «potlatch ban».

Examples

• The family held a potlatch to celebrate a new chief. tree →
• At a potlatch, the host gives gifts to the guests. tree →
• Dancers wore carved masks at the potlatch. tree →
• The potlatch was banned in Canada for many years. tree →
• Today, potlatches are an important part of Northwest Coast culture again. tree →
• We learned about the potlatch in our First Nations unit. tree →

Note

Plural: potlatches. Say POT-latch. The word comes from Chinook Jargon, a trade language of the region, meaning «to give». Speak about it respectfully as a living tradition.