Potlatch
A Potlatch is a ceremonial feast practiced by various Indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest Coast of North America, including tribes like the Kwakiutl and Tlingit. During a potlatch, a host provides food, gifts, and entertainment to guests, showcasing their wealth and social status. This event often marks significant life events such as births, marriages, or the passing of a leader.
The potlatch serves as a way to strengthen community ties and redistribute wealth. It is also a means of asserting social hierarchy, as the host's generosity reflects their standing within the tribe. Potlatches were historically banned by the Canadian government in the late 19th century, but they have since been revitalized and continue to hold cultural significance today.