The People of the North West Coast. A physical map of British Columbia

Habitat They lived in a narrow area stretching from Alaska, down to Northern B.C to Washington State. Environment was very diverse. All the people lived near water. Used the forest to their advantage.

Homes Build permanent settlements because of the access to food all year long. Each longhouse was feet long, feet wide. Housed several families Had simple furniture and a small fire pit for cooking. Cedar mats were weaved and hung from the ceiling to separate families.

Subsistence The peoples of the Northwest Coast had their food supply come from the Pacific Ocean. They would catch salmon, halibut, shellfish, smelt and whales.

Clothing They wore very little clothing unless it was cold or raining. Men would often go naked and Women would only wear a skirt. Their clothing was made out of animal leather, softened cedar wood or wool. Clothing was made to block them from the rain.

Tools and Weapons Developed special tools and weapons for certain types of animals. The people of the northwest coast tried to use every single piece of the animal. They used what was available Cedar Stone What the animals had to offer

Social Organization and kinship The peoples of the Northwest Coast aboriginals had a society of ranks, from nobles, to commoners, even to slaves. The older, highest ranked child, usually the eldest boy of the family, had the ability to gain the most descent from the ancestor that was the chief. The order descended from the chief to who he new best. The chief has the higher ranked family and has special rights compared to the commoners. Ex. Have more opportunity to showcase different art on a totem pole. Totem pole

Leadership and Government The next chief would be decided on who was a direct descendant of the current chief. Leadership was hereditary. In the south your wealth influenced your fate.

Religious or Spiritual Customs Rituals involved salmon as a symbol of the environment and how well it was being treated. Each individual had a guardian spirit. Your social “ranks” contributed to how your body would be treated when you die. Animals are just as sacred as the resources.

Cultural Artifacts The totem poles are very important to the people of the Northwest Coast. There are totem poles nearly 500 years old, but no one knows all the stories to go with them. Usually the clan who made gets to make the totem pole puts their own symbols and crests within it. Open transformation mask Moon mask

Bibliography Crossroads Textbook page