Potlatches are formal ceremonies. Feasts, a less formal but similar event, are more common with the Haida, in which debt was paid to the opposite clan. However, a potlatch could be given by a commoner who could raise his position by hosting a potlatch. Except in the Haida tradition, the host would not raise his personal status, but rather the status of his children. Potlatches might last days and would include feasting, speeches, singing and dancing.
Guests are to witness and validate the events and are paid with gifts at the end of the ceremony.
Except among the Eyak, the gifts were given at the beginning of the ceremony. In potlatches, there would be a feast, however, a feast does not constitute a potlatch. Other items used at potlatches were drums, rattles, whistles, paddles, and staffs. Clan regalia named and validated at a potlatch could only be used for formal gatherings. The Chilkat robes were made of mountain goat wool and cedar warps.