Embracing Tradition: NAIC Receives $1,000 Grant for Inter-Tribal Potlatch Celebration

Northwest American Indian Coalition, Inc. (NAIC), is honored to have been awarded a grant of $1,000 through the Holiday Funding Partnership 2023. This contribution comes from the Humboldt Area Foundation + Wild Rivers Community Foundation, in partnership with Humboldt Health Foundation, Mel & Grace McLean Foundation, Patricia D. & William B. Smullin Foundation, and Providence, Community Health Investment.

A Heritage of Giving: The term "Potlatch" carries profound meaning within our tribal traditions. It signifies not only the demonstration of wealth in communal connections but is intricately woven into various ceremonies across Oregon and the Pacific Northwest, including "rights of passage," "death," "Name Giving," and "Honoring."

Gifts of Generosity: During the "Potlatch" and community events, the act of distributing gifts becomes a sacred expression of hard work, commitment, and shared resources. Blankets, traditional foods, baskets, commodities, tools, and household items are bestowed upon community members and witnesses, serving as a validation of specific events and fostering unity and shared prosperity.

The Potlatch Legacy: In the context of our ancestral homelands in Oregon, a Potlatch symbolizes the wealth of our people and our ability to collaborate harmoniously, celebrating the diversity inherent in our community. It is a poignant recognition that our collective prosperity is intertwined with the bountiful land we call home.

Ceremony of Unity: The term "Potlatch" encapsulates a deep sense of community—a ''group-wide gift-giving ceremony meant to celebrate peace and promote general unity.'' This ceremony, utilized by various tribes in the Pacific Northwest, unifies community members, celebrating the extended families and friends that form the tapestry of our tribal heritage.

Origin and Significance: The term "potlatch," originating in the language of the Chinook tribes, derives its significance from the gifts exchanged during the ceremony. These gifts symbolize both existing and new relationships and commitments among group members, emphasizing the subservient relationship of attendees to the leader organizing the potlatch.

A Journey Forward: As we embark on this journey with the blessings of our ancestors and the support of our partners, we invite our tribal families to join us in celebrating the richness of our heritage. The Holiday Potlatch program, seeded by this grant, will be a testament to the enduring spirit of our tribal community.

At NAIC, we are grateful for this grant not only as financial support but as a gift—an affirmation that our tribal traditions continue to thrive and resonate across generations. As we prepare for the Holiday Potlatch, we anticipate a gathering filled with love, laughter, and the echoes of our ancestral songs.