1. The People of the Northwest Coast and the Western Cordillera Region

2. VANCOUVER!

4. Western Cordillera Region
Mountains, many rivers to Pacific Ocean
Maritime climate, moist and mild
Warmer winter and cooler summer
Wet/ rain
Lush/ green, evergreens (fir/ hemlock/ red cedar), tundra at high elevation

5. Example of Groups in this region: Haida, Nishga, Halisha, Salish
Inherited rank and privilege (land, resources, wealth) – social classes
Have nobels, commoners, slaves
Travel to collect food in “seasonal round” – travel to collect food with the seasons
Lots of food from plants & ocean
Shell fish, salmon, seafood, birds, even whales
Dry fish for winter
Travel in cedar canoes
Made of 1 log, very sea-worthy (could be 20m long, carry 50 people)

6. Live in cedar houses (long house/ lodge), carve clan images on house
Wear clothes of deer skin, hats for the rain
culture: have potlatch to show status at important event (like birth)
host gives gifts to all (redistribute the wealth)
have feasts and dancing
Create totem poles – carved to tell story of clan, based on animals in area
Ritual dances of legends; use elaborate costumes/ cedar masks of mythical animals

13. Summary
How did the physical environment of the Western Cordillera Region influence the culture of the people of the Northwest Coast?