What is a potlatch?

A potlatch is a gift-giving feast practiced by indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest Coast of Canada and the United States, among whom it is traditionally the primary economic system.This includes the Heiltsuk, Haida, Nuxalk, Tlingit, Makah, Tsimshian, Nuu-chah-nulth, Kwakwaka'wakw, and Coast Salish cultures. Potlatches are also a common feature of the peoples of the Interior and of the Subarctic adjoining the Northwest Coast, though mostly without the elaborate ritual and gift-giving economy of the coastal peoples.

More Info: en.wikipedia.org

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18 Comments

Wendy Wilkins Valdez

Why do so many of these questions put the real answer first of the four? Someone could blindly pick the first answer on every one and get better than half right every time.

maidofstardust

My folks called them “potlucks” though.

Barbara Ell

krkyates, In Alaska, they are called "potlatch." It took me awhile to not call it "potluck" or "pitch-in"

earlepg

I've seen potlatches practiced by tribes in Alaska. They were feasts prepared to honor members of the tribes who have passed on.

teacherchicky

I believe you left out the most important part and that is that it was an Indian or indigenous people's practice. We latched onto it! 😂

Ken Putnam

Diane Brown, Citation please

Bob Gorby

Surely you've heard of potlatch key children?!

Patricia Fraser

I think you’ll find it’s a First Nation tradition in the Canadian West.

Joyce Belcher Wright

Oops missed this one.

Donna Louise Johnson

I knew this one because of Girl Scouts. We made "potlatches" to give to others as gifts.

Diane Brown

Answer is wrong it is (among North American Indian peoples of the north-west coast) an opulent ceremonial feast at which possessions are given away or destroyed to display wealth or enhance prestige.