the northwest coast people. location/geography pacific coast of canada (from oregon to alaska)...
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Location/Geography• Pacific Coast of Canada (from Oregon to Alaska)• Climate is very mild and rainy: cool summers and
warm/mild winters
Shelter• Lived in longhouses similar to the Iroquois, but
notice the different color and art• Made of wood and lasted many years
Food• Northwest coast people were mainly fishermen and ate
salmon, cod, and other seafood• For meat, the people hunted deer and other land animals• There were lots of berries to eat• The men hunted and fished, and the women prepared the
food
SeasonsWinter
• In large permanent villages
• Making/repairing tools
• Living on stored food
Spring/Summer/Fall
• Living at various food collection sites – shellfish, salmon
• Trading with other groups
• Raiding
Barry Tate
Caste system
• Unlike the Plains or Iroquois, the Northwest coast people lived in a very strict social system which they were born into:
1) The Chief (leader) 2) noblemen (Chief’s assistants) 3) fishermen, common people 4) slaves
Potlatch ceremony
• The potlatch ceremony was a way to show off status (or gain face)
• Sometimes participants would wear masks. They perform dances, and bring food and gifts to give away
Northwest Coast People Vocabulary:
Caste System – A social system of different classes based on birth, rank, and wealth.
Totem Pole – Tall wooden poles carved to tell a story or have some religious significance
Taboo – a custom or tradition that must be followed. Making things sacred or evil.
Potlatch – Giant gathering, which often lasted for days, where people from other villages were invited to feast, sing, dance, tell stories and receive gifts. Guests were sat according to rank.