We waited for weeks and our potlatch finally came. We sang our native songs; we honored the school district; our elders told stories that were passed down to them; we danced our native religion, and then we ended the night with gifts for our teachers and the para-educators. And while we gave our gifts to our teacher, we had a lot more to give away for the other people who meant a lot us and for the people who came.

We had great food at potlatch. At the potlatch we served our elders and teachers first. For dinner we had salmon, chicken, potato salad, rolls, fried bread, fruit, salad, spaghetti, etc. For drinks we had juice and coffee. Finally, for dessert we enjoyed cake, pie, cookies, brownies, and doughnut holes. That was practically everything that we had for our feast.

Secondly, our elders told stories to everyone who came to the potlatch about people like Slapoot. Elaine told a story about an evil woman who would put bad little kids into her basket on her back. It was a scary story that had some of the little kids shaking with fear. Uncle Ben told a story about Eagle and Killer Whale. Much like kids fighting, they always were at each other's throats. Eastern Washington doesn't have trees because Killer Whale knocked them all down. The Columbia River was carved out by Killer Whale's efforts to get back to the ocean.

After that we gave gifts to our teachers to honor them. It made us a little nervous to get up in front of everyone and speak before the crowd, but we did it. We gave dream catchers that we made to our teachers. Other gifts were given out to the schools, and the people who attended the potlatch.

It was a great night for everyone there. We concluded by singing our native songs and everyone joined in and we danced around the gym several times. The song made us all laugh together as it got faster and faster. "Laughter Is Good Medicine" was the theme of our potlatch and that's how we ended it. This potlatch was a lot of fun; we can't wait for next year.

(story by Randy G.)