THE Potlatch

The Potlatch is a ceremony that the first nations used. Akin to our wedding receptions and baby showers that are given to show people that they have cause to rejoice.  It was a sign that others showed people around them that they were wealthy and had cause to celebrate.  It helped show the families social stasis to others to show how "popular" they were.  

The ceremony had lots of food and goods and gave away gifts to there friends and family. They helped people create alliances between tribes that helped each other out during war times. The Pacific coast first nations group were the ones where the Potlatch ceremony original from.  

The gifts they gave were renewed across the tribe when other people held Porlatch's. It kind of reminds me of a potluck but instead of bringing food to eat you are given something to go home with. they were always given gifts to mark different occasions. 

Unfortunately Canada banned the potlatch ceremony because people would get to the point of complete poverty, waiting for someone else to hold a potlatch so they could continue.  They got banned at the same time that residential schools got put into Canada. 

We hold parties but normaly the gifts are given not the other way around. But we still hold parties to honor the occasion.