Potlatch

Before the Europeans arrived in Canada, the Pacific Coast Native Americans had a cultural thing called a potlatch. This was basically a party at which they celebrated things of importance to their tribe. Different First Nations held their potlatches for different reasons, and they held them in different ways. They were usually held to mark important family occasions. Births and marriages were two of these important family occasions. They were also held to maintain or start alliances and relationships with different First Nation Tribes. They did different things at these potlatches, such as dance, sing and tell stories about the history of their nations. It was customary for the person who hosted the potlatch to display their generosity and wealth by giving away possessions and food to everyone in attendance. This generosity often left the host in poverty. In return, other families would hold a potlatch and give their stuff away. This was a great way for different First Nations families to establish themselves in their communities.

The Potlatches held by Pacific Coast First Nations are kind of like potlucks that we hold today. However, instead of one person giving everything away, everyone gives a little away, usually food of some sort. This allows us to enjoy other people's things while still maintaining our wealth and possessions.