It is being practiced more and more as Native Americans reclaim their traditions. In the broad sense, a give-away is nearly the reverse of the majority culture's understanding of gift giving. In the majority culture, the expectation is to receive gifts when being honored, recognized, or celebrated on special occasions, such as birthdays, graduations, retirements, political elections, or special appointments. I am on the board of trustees of a Native American college in Arizona. At one graduation the president receives five star quilts, among other gifts.
Several months go into preparing for a give-away.
Gifts for a give-away are either handmade by family members or are purchased from other tribal members or arts and crafts organizations. A give-away can be quite a financial undertaking. As with fry-bread, we don't know the specific tribal tradition of origin. Today the give-away practice continues in the communities and gatherings of many tribes and nations. Another form of gift giving takes place when one visits a Native American home for the first time.