Storyboard of the environment and culture of the indigenous peoples of the Northwest Coast.
Storyboard-Text
LOCATION
ENVIRONMENT
RESOURCES FROM THE FOREST
FIRST NATIONS OF THE NORTHWEST COAST
The Northwest Coast stretches south from Alaska through Canada to California along the Pacific Ocean.
There are dense forests of fir, pine, and cedar trees and flat rocky beaches. The climate is mild and rainy.
Cedar canoes are built for travel and fishing for salmon. The dense forests provide lumber for homes and hunting for game like elk, deer, and bears.
RESOURCES FROM THE COAST
The First Nations that call this region home include: Tlingit, Tsimshian, Haida, Kwakwaka’wakw (Kwakiutl), Heiltsuk, Nuxalk (Bella Coola), Makah, Chinook, and Yurok. They speak different languages but share a common background.
TRADITIONS AND CULTURE
NATIVE AMERICANS OF THE NORTHWEST COAST
CLOTHING
HOMES
The Pacific Ocean provides shells for making jewelry and decorative and spiritual carvings, even money. They also hunted sea mammals including seals and whales.
They had a rich oral tradition of histories and legends. Potlatch ceremonies included entire communities. They also carved items from ivory, wood, and stone that were practical or represented spiritual beliefs.
They created waterproof clothing from the soft inner core of cedar bark to protect against the heavy rains. Warm clothing was made from animal hides.
They built large wooden homes decorated with ornate carvings and paintings that could accommodate many families. Outside stand massive totem poles carved with symbols of animals and spirits.