Northwest Coast Cultural Group Mrs. Naville
Northwest Coast Tribes Tlingit Haida Kwakiutl Nootka Chinook
Where Did The Kwakiutl Live? Vancouver Island & along the Pacific Coast of what is now Canada
Rich in Resources - Forests Tall cedar trees Totem poles = carved post with animals representing ancestors or to show wealth Dugout canoes for hunting at sea Master wood carvers Rich in game for hunting Plants for gathering
Rich in Resources - Water Pacific Ocean & Rivers Fish Seals Sea Otters Whales Meat for food, furs for clothing, oil for lamps/heating
The World Around Them Surplus in food meant they specialized in art Masks, rattles, dishes Coastal climate meant light clothing made from woven cedar bark Nearby cedar trees meant VERY sturdy homes
Potlatches Parties – usually to welcome people into a new home Means “to give away” The home OWNERS gave away gifts and food to guests Feasting, dancing, singing for several days
Shamans Kind of like a healer Male or female Dancing ceremonies with masks to heal the sick Mask changes Special effects: smoke and lights
The Kwakiutl Today Only about 4,000 left Most work in logging, construction, or fishing Still hold potlatches Shamans work with medical doctors Powerboats replaced canoes