Friendship Potlatches
The Friendship Potlatch, started in 1985, is a modern version of the potlatch which has evolved out of the historic potlatch tradition of the Athabascan. The Potlatch was adapted to reflect the customs today of the diverse heritage of urban Cook Inlet region families of southcentral Alaska. Even so, the Friendship Potlatch is held for similar reasons as those of potlatches in years past – to strengthen the identity of Cook Inlet region people, to reaffirm unity among the region’s families, to confirm the importance of the family, and to revitalize the traditions of the region’s Eskimos, Indians and Aleuts. It reflects the cultural diversity of the region’s indigenous people and the blend of traditional and present-day customs.
Beginning with our first fall potlatch in 1985, these special events have honored the cultural diversity and interests of our region’s Alaska Natives with cultural entertainment programs, children’s cultural activities, Alaska Native fine arts and crafts displays, information booths, lunch service that includes traditional foods and door prizes.
Calendar of Events
There are no dates available yet for 2008. Please check back often for 2008 dates.
- Northwest Friendship Potlatch
- Kenai Friendship Potlatch
- Anchorage Friendship Potlatch
The Friendship Potlatches are graciously supported by the following organizations.
- Acupuncture Pain and Wellness Clinic
- Alaska Junior Theater
- Alaska Tribal Cache from Seldovia
- Anchorage Concert Association
- ASRC
- AT&T
- Bear Tooth/Moose’s Tooth
- Bering Straits Native Corporation
- BP Exploration
- Café del Mundo
- CIRI Alaska Tourism
- ConocoPhillips
- Cook Inlet Housing Authority
- Doyon Foundation
- Era Aviation
- Koahnic Broadcast Corporation
- Red Robin & Spirits Emporiums
- Sealaska Corporation
- Southcentral Foundation
- Tastee Freeze
- The Aleut Corporation
- The Imaginarium
- Title Wave Books
- Tyonek
Thank you again for your support in promoting and honoring Alaska Native culture.
The CIRI Foundation (TCF) is a non-profit organization that promotes individual self-development and economic self-sufficiency through education among Alaska Natives who are original enrollees of CIRI and their direct lineal descendants. The CIRI Foundation also strives to enhance the heritage of Alaska Natives through programs that foster appreciation and understanding of Alaska Native cultures. Donations to TCF may be deducted as a charitable contribution to the extent allowed by law. TCF is tax exempt under IRS 501(c)(3) code. TCF's tax identification number is EIN 92-0087914.