The Potlatch

What is it?
By: Griffin, Amelia, and
Rylan
 Table of contents
01 02 03

Learn about it Sacred Articles How it is performed

Learn about the meaning and The sacred articles used to Description of how the potlatch is
purpose of the Potlatch perform the potlatch performed and who is involved

04 05 06

About its sacred connection Video Clip Extra Facts

A video clip of the potlatch Some extra fun facts about the
How the potlatch involves a sacred
being performed potlatch
connection with the land or life
being interconnected
Meaning and Purpose - Griffin
Potlatch
● A Potlatch is a ceremony feast
popular in indigenous
communities across the northwest
territories of North America
● During this ceremony
possessions are given away, or
sometimes even destroyed to
display wealth
● This act of generosity from the
rich helped builds respect
between the rich and poor
 The sacred articles used in a Potlatch Griffin

● Ceder; Cedar is used as a sacred article in

potlatch as it's used to make robes, hats,
capes, which are often worn in potlatches.
● Masks; Masks are important ceremonial
objects in many indigenous cultures. They
are used in potlatches and carved from
wood, and adorned from materials such as
fur, feathers, and shells.
● Totem Poles; Totem poles are sacred
articles as they are used in different rituals
that take place in a potlatch
How is a Potlatch performed? Amelia

● The central focus of a Potlatch is when the host gives gifts to each
guest according to their social status. As a result, guests who are
wealthier received larger gifts.

● Guests attend the Potlatch, a large gathering, to take in the

speeches, singing, dancing, and feast.

● The Potlatch is typically hosted by wealthier individuals to display

their wealth, and it is an occasion for the fortunate to share to the
community.
About the Potlatchs Sacred Connection
Rylan

- A whole community or neighbouring communities are

involved in the Potlatch. This gathering of all members of a
community establishes and strengthens the connection between
people.
- Indigenous people believe that the Creator gave them the
potlatch as a way to spread joy. By celebrating this scared
ceremony they are affirming their connection to their creator.
- Many of the gifts given in the potlatch come from the materials
in the environment which is symbolic of the First Nations
people’s deep connection to the physical environment.
- The beating of a drum at a potlatch can be used to communicate
with the spirit world. The drum is considered a connection
between the people and the land.
About the Potlatchs Sacred Connection
Rylan

- A potlatch was also celebrated to give thanks and

to recognize the people’s relationship with the
animal spirits. This giving of thanks illustrates the
strong relationship that Indigenous people have
with the natural word and all the things that the
natural world provides them with.
Video Clip
Additional Facts Griffin

● As part of a policy of assimilation, the federal

Canadian government banned the potlatch from 1884
to 1951
● This is because the government saw the ceremony as
anti-Christian, reckless, and wasteful of personal
property.
 Fun Facts (Rylan)
● The word potlatch comes from the Chinook word that means
to give.
● A potlatch feast could be used to celebrate a marriage, birth,
coming of age or a death in the community.
● A potlatch can be celebrated over a number of days.
● A potlatch would often take place in the winter