Final answer:
The practice of potlatch is associated with the Pacific Northwest, and New England has a history of significant earthquakes due to its ancient geological structures, not because it is part of the Pacific Ring of Fire.
Step-by-step explanation:
The practice of potlatch is traditionally associated with the Pacific Northwest region, particularly among Indigenous peoples such as the Kwakwaka'wakw, Nuu-chah-nulth, and Coast Salish. It is a ceremonial feast and a complex social event where wealth is redistributed and social status is affirmed.
The New England area, including the Canadian Maritimes, is known historically for its colonial settlement and the development of America's Industrial Revolution. However, regarding the question of earthquakes, this region does experience significant seismic activity due to ancient geological structures, not because it's part of the Pacific Ring of Fire which is associated with frequent seismic and volcanic events affecting regions such as the Pacific Coast area of North America and East Asia.
For the question about the direction a compass needle points, the north pole of the compass needle traditionally points towards magnetic north, which is a function of Earth's magnetic field and is generally located in the Northern Hemisphere.