Do you know what a pow wow is? This term is often misused to describe a meeting or gathering, but that is an example appropriation. A pow wow is a First Nations ceremony and celebration, where people from many different Nations come together to dance, sing, and drum. 

A Potlatch is a ceremony practiced First Nations living along the Northwest Coast and each have may have many unique functions and meanings. Often seen as a gift-giving exchange or celebration by outsiders, the potlatch has many culturally specific functions. William Lindsay who is from the Cree-Stoney Nations and is a retired educator from SFU, explains that “economic, political, social and cultural functions are fulfilled in the potlatch.

Cultural appropriation is the exploitation of a people’s culture. When a people’s traditional dress, music, cuisine, knowledge and other aspects of their culture” is used “without their approval by members of a different culture” it is cultural appropriation (Canadian Encyclopedia, cultural appropriation of Indigenous peoples in Canada).