The Potlatch Ceremony

The potlatch ceremony filled the role of a notarized legal system for the Haida and other First Nations along the British Columbia coast. All special events, transfers of status or claims to territory or resources would be required by tradition to be potlatched.

The potlatch consists of four main components: The gathering of appropriate guests, their entertainment and feeding, the conduction of required business, and the payment to the guests at the conclusion of the potlatch for their witness of the business that was conducted.


Eagle down is spread as a welcome at the beginning of a potlatch.


Everyone in attendance at a potlatch is required to be paid by the host clan or chief for their attendance and remembrance of the business that was conducted during the potlatch. The status of the individual and their affiliation would determine what level of payment would be appropriate with guest chiefs receiving more than visitors of lesser status.

The distribution of payment to those in attendance at the conclusion of a potlatch was the most recognized way for Chiefs to showcase their wealth, power or prestige. It was not uncommon for Chiefs to give away all of their possessions to showcase their wealth and their confidence in their ability to re amass this wealth. The more times a Chief could potlatch during their lifetime, the higher their status became.

As a result, it was the distribution of assets and resources rather than their accumulation that was placed of higher value within the society.