1. The Potlatch System

2. What is a Potlatch? - -based on __________ 
*** Potlatch literally translates: “ ” ***

3. Purpose for having a Potlatch
Many reasons: -

4. Invitations and Planning
-could be just extended family
-could be all clans / resource units in a nation
-could be multiple nations
Planning:
-planning could take week / month / year(s)
-host family responsible for everything  making gifts, food, songs, dance etc.
-host family would personally invite all guests

5. Guests Responsibilities-
-by accepting gifts you accept and acknowledge the host’s claim to the land and the events that took place

6. General Potlatch Agenda
-Guests arrive and enter Longhouse based on rank
-ushers seat guests based on tribe + rank
-welcoming – songs, dance, gifts displayed
-formal business
-meals
-distribution of gifts
-speeches by visitors
***traditionally, Potlatches could last as long as a month***
***today they are 2 days max***

7. Why Potlatch is critically important
1. Economic Importance: -
2. Nation Politics:
3. Social Importance:
4. Spiritual / Cultural:

8. Lahal (Stick Game / Bone Game)-