Title: Native American Cultures in North America | Boundless World History
Headings: Native American Cultures in North America
Native American Cultures in North America
Great Basin Culture
Key Takeaways
Key Points
Key Terms
Language
Lifeways
Religion
Pacific Coast Culture
Key Takeaways
Key Points
Key Terms
Arts and Crafts
Religious and Social Ceremonies
Eastern Woodland Culture
Key Takeaways
Key Points
Key Terms
Early Woodland Period (1000–1 BCE)
Middle Woodland Period (1–500 CE)
Late Woodland Period (500–1000 CE)
Southwestern Culture
Key Points
Key Terms
Overview
Southwestern Agriculture
Family and Religion
Conclusion
Mississippian Culture
Key Takeaways
Key Points
Key Terms
Decline of the Mississippians

Content: These nations had time and energy to devote to the establishment of fine arts and crafts and to religious and social
ceremonies. The term “Northwest Coast”, or “North West Coast”, is used to refer to the groups of indigenous people residing along the coasts of British Columbia, Washington State, parts of Alaska, Oregon, and northern California. The Pacific Northwest Coast at one time had the most densely populated areas of indigenous people. The mild climate and abundant natural resources,
such as cedar and salmon, made possible the rise of a complex aboriginal culture. The indigenous people in this region practiced various forms of forest gardening and fire-stick farming in the forests, grasslands, mixed woodlands, and wetlands, ensuring that desired food and medicine plats continued to be available through the use of advanced farming techniques. Those involved in agricultural development would create low-intensity fires in order to prevent larger, catastrophic fires and sustain low-density agriculture in a loose rotation. This is what is known as permaculture, or any system of sustainable agriculture that renews natural resources and enriches local ecosystems. Arts and Crafts
One of the major cultural elements that began to flourish on the Pacific Northwest Coast was the use of music and other forms of arts and crafts. Although music varied in function and expression among indigenous tribes, there were cultural similarities. For example, some tribes used hand drums made of animal hides as their instrument of choice, while others used plank or log drums, along with whistlers, wood clappers, and rattles.