The Northwest Coast Chapter 2 Lesson 4

Rich Resources Northwest Coast cultural region: area in northwestern North America Forests Wood Animals Water; Pacific Ocean Many rivers Fish Ocean animals

Tlingit Kwakiutl Haida Nootka

Displaying wealth and generosity were important to the Kwakiutl culture Potlatches were held Celebration which the host gives gifts to the guests Totem poles were also important Carved wooden posts used to represent ancestors

Customs and Traditions Another important element in Kwakiutl culture was the shaman Person who healed the sick; doctor Performed dancing ceremonies Special effects were added to the ceremonies Men and women could be shamans

Resources were also used in clothing Animal skins Cedar bark

The Kwakiutl Today Three hundred years ago there were nearly 15,000 Kwakiutl in the Northwest Coastal region Today there are only about 4,000 The forest and sea are still important Most still work in construction, logging, and fishing

Traditional food is still enjoyed Berries Wild game Fish New foods are also used as well Sugar Flour Potatoes Tea

Homes are no longer made of cedar Sick people will visit a medical doctor and a shaman Potlatches are still held