What is a Potlatch?
What was the name given to most Northwest Coast First Nations celebrations?
Potlatch
What was the main activity done at a Potlatch?
Giving of gifts
What was the main purpose of a potlatch?
potlatches became a way in which wealthy families could show off their wealth to others
…by giving their wealth away!
Why did we have the class celebration day?
To celebrate the Haida people and their culture.
What was the most important celebration to the Haida?
The potlatch
Name one group of people who celebrated potlatches
The Haida
What were gifts presented in during a Potlatch?
A bentwood box
What were the three common reasons why people had potlatches
Marriages, deaths, and births
What did the clothing and masks group create?
_________
What was a specific reason that someone would have a dignity potlatch?
What is a Potlatch?
A potlatch was a big celebration
What was the main type of food served at a Potlatch?
Salmon
What was the purpose of a Dignity potlatch?
A dignity potlatch took place when a member of the high social class, like the chief, did something that caused him great embarrassment.
What was the name of the dish that the food group created for the celebration day?
_________
What was one reason that masks were made for potlatches?
Masks showed others of the person’s social status. Masks were created to look like their ancestors, animals, or heroes.
How long did it usually take to plan a potlatch?
Potlatches often took more than a year to plan!
Name at least 3 activities that were done at a Potlatch
Dancing
Singing
Feasting
Wearing masks
Telling stories
Giving gifts
Giving money away
What is the main purpose of Potlatches held today?
Today potlatches are most often held to honour the passing of an elder or important person in the community.
Name one specific design element from the decorations and music group, that related to the Haida culture.
Answers may vary
What is the name of the specific gift that was very special to recieve at a Potlatch?
Coppers
What does the word potlatch come from?
Potlatch comes from a First Nations word 'pachitle' meaning 'to give'.
Name three types of gifts that were presented at a potlatch, other than coppers.
animal furs and hides
woven cedar blankets
canoes
Name three reasons why people would have a potlatch, other than marriages, deaths, and births.
People also had potlatch celebrations for:
Land rights (property, fishing, etc.)
Rights to sing certain songs or wear specific clothes
Celebrations of opening big houses or raising carved poles
Renew ties to ancestors
After a humiliation
Answers may vary
What was the Golden potlatch?
The golden potlatch was a huge celebration in Seattle Washington, USA in 1911.