The beginning of all human societies and the development of their communities, traditions, technologies, and cultures were influenced by the environment in which they lived.
The California-Intermountain Region stretches from the Pacific coast of California inland to the Sierra Nevada mountain range and the Great Basin desert (in California, Nevada and Utah). Their culture and traditions were influenced by the great variety of environments that spanned this religion, and despite many obstacles, they still continue to thrive today.
Have students create a spider map that describes the culture and environment of the California Intermountain First Nations!
Storyboard Text
LOCATION
ENVIRONMENT
NATURAL RESOURCES (COAST)
FIRST NATIONS
The California-Intermountain Region is located between the mountain ranges of the Rocky Mountains on the east and the Cascade Range and Sierra Nevada on the west and along the Pacific Ocean.
It has a mild climate and abundant wildlife from the Redwood Forests and Pacific Seacoast of California to the Sierra Nevada Mountains and dry desert of the Great Basin.
The Pacific Ocean provides fish, mollusks, shellfish, sea lions, orcas, and seals. The fish and animals could be used for food, while the shells and bones could be used for decorations like bead, tools, and more.
NATURAL RESOURCES (INLAND)
First Nations that call this region home include the Shoshone, Ute, Bannock, Paiute, and Goshute (all inland), and the Pomo, Maidu, and Miwok people along the coast.
TRADITIONS
CALIFORNIA INTERMOUNTAIN
HOMES
The Great Basin is a desert with sagebrush, edible plants, berries, and nuts. There are many animals like mountain lions, coyotes, bobcats, mule deer, badger, black tailed jackrabbits, and kangaroo rats.
Shells were used to make beads, money, and necklaces. Indigenous peoples like the Pomos would decorate grass baskets with shells, beads, and feathers.
Along the coast, many used Redwood trees by laying thick pieces of bark to form a cone-shaped house. In the Great Basin, many made wickiups, a transportable home made of willow poles, leaves, and brush.