The Snuneymuxw would weave many blankets in preparation for the gift giving that is part of the ceremonies and "work" at the Big House. Blankets have an important role in the winter ceremonials. In the summer months, families might hold a big potlatch, stacking blankets in soft, folded piles on a platform alongside the Big House. This way, the wealth, measured in blankets, would be there for all the guests to see. The potlatch is one of the most important social and economic events for northern Pacific First Nations communities. A potlatch can be held as a tribute to someone after death or as an honour when people receive their names. Guests are invited from the community, from neighbouring villages, and from other Nations along the coast. In the past, up to 3000 people might participate in a potlatch, each one receiving a feast, welcome, and gifts from the host.

The gifts of the potlatch were given according to rank, and a chief might receive something as valuable as a canoe. Guests would be expected to give similar gifts during their own potlatches, and in this way, blankets, food and other important items were distributed in an ongoing economic cycle.

Beryl Cryer recorded a story told to her by a woman named Tzea-Mntenaht, who was late Mary Rice, grandmother of Elder Ellen White.

Tstass-Aya, late Elder Jenny Wyse, told Cryer that