For many First Nations in the Pacific Northwest, the potlatch is an important ceremony that marks births, deaths, weddings, and other significant events. Potlatches often last for many days and feature dancing, feasting, and the giving of gifts, names, and stories. From 1884 to 1951, the Canadian government made potlatches illegal in their effort to erase traditional First Nations culture and replace it with European, Christian values. In Secret of the Dance, Alfred Scow recounts the tale of how his family defied the government to hold a potlatch when he was very young, even though they could have been arrested for doing so.

When he grew up Alfred Scow went on to become the first Aboriginal person to graduate from law school in British Columbia. He worked as a respected lawyer and judge for many decades. AndreaSpalding has written over thirty books, many focused on the need for understanding and respect among different cultures.

Usually, we think breaking the rules is a bad thing, but sometimes the rules are unfair or unjust to begin with. Can you think of a time in your life when you broke a rule for a good reason? Can you think of any book or movie characters who broke a rule for a good reason?