American Civilizations

- The Kwaitkiutl, Nootka, and Haida people hunted whales in canoes which were made from the lumber of the surrounding forests.  The coastal forests provided plentiful food for the tribes, including bears and a variety of fish (salmon, etc.).  The Northwest Coast tribes developed societies in which differences in wealth created social classes.  Families displayed their rank and prosperity in an elaborate ceremony called the potlatch. In this ceremony, they gave food, drink, and gifts to the community.  This ceremony was one of the success factors of the Pacific Northwest peoples because it brought the community together and provided people with the chance to trade and a source of food.  Therefore, each family helped others within the tribe survive.

- The Pacific Northwest Indians also took advantage of the water resource they had from the Pacific Ocean and Puget Sound.  The Pacific Ocean not only provided ample water and food sources for the Native Americans, but it also is a helpful trading "way" for them.  The Puget Sound also provides a close water source for the Kwaikiutl, Nootka, and Haida Native Americans.  Similarly, these Pacific Northwest Native Americans use the surrounding forests for foraging plants, hunting animals, such as bears, deer, and birds.