The Northwest CoastSeptember 17th, 2013

Rich ResourcesTribes of the Northwest Coast Cultural Region

Kwakiutl, Tlingit, Haida, and Nootka

The Northwest Coast has plentiful natural resourcesForests filled with tall, sturdy cedar treesRivers and forest rich with game and fish for

huntingDid not have to grow crops for food

RecapHow did the people of the Northwest Coast get

their food?

PotlatchesTribes had an abundance of resources

What do you think members of the tribe did with their extra resources?

They held potlatches, parties where they would give things away

Potlatch means “to give away”

What would they give?Copper shields and stacks of blankets were

common

Totem Poles

Totem poles were carved posts with animals or other images representing a person’s ancestors. They were used as a symbol of wealth.

RecapWhat were potlatches?

Why were they held?

Using the OceanMaster carvers made canoes from cedar logs

How do you think canoes were used?To hunt sea animals, such as seals, sea otters and

whalesThese animals provided meat, furs, and oil

RecapHow did the Kwakiutl use resources from the

forest and the oceans?

Customs and TraditionsShamans were believed to be healers and were

important people in Kwakiutl cultureBoth men and women could be shamans

They also performed dancing ceremonies, read more on p. 96

Shelter and ClothingLived in a mild climate

What effect do you think this would have on how they dressed and where they lived?

The people of the Northwest Coast wore light clothing

Lived in sturdy houses built with cedar trees

RecapWhy were shamans so respected?

The Kwakiutl TodayRead p. 97 on your own and we will discuss

Lesson SummaryIndians of the Northwest Coast met their needs

by hunting and gathering

Shamans were important people in Kwakiutl culture

Today many Kwakiutl work in logging, construction and fishing

HomeworkComplete the lesson 4 review, questions 2-5, on

p. 97 (in complete sentences)