Title: Religious Beliefs of the Northern Pacific Indians | Synonym
Headings: Religious Beliefs of the Northern Pacific Indians
Religious Beliefs of the Northern Pacific Indians
Explore this article
1 Beliefs of the Tlingit
2 Beliefs of the Haida
3 Beliefs of the Tsimshian
4 Beliefs of the Chinook

Content: Religious Beliefs of the Northern Pacific Indians | Synonym
Religious Beliefs of the Northern Pacific Indians
The indigenous people of the Pacific Northwest -- in British Columbia, Alaska, Washington and Oregon -- each have their own history, culture and religious traditions. Historically, Pacific Northwest Indians shared their spiritual beliefs and customs through stories, songs and dances. Their beliefs were based in animism, where the natural world interacts with a supernatural world. In most native cultures, shamans or medicine men served as spiritual intermediaries. Explore this article
Beliefs of the Tlingit
Beliefs of the Haida
Beliefs of the Tsimshian
Beliefs of the Chinook
1 Beliefs of the Tlingit
The Tlingit compose a number of tribes in Alaska, British Columbia and the Yukon. Historically, Tlingit religious beliefs and practices centered on a raven deity who combined the characteristics of spirit, human and bird. The raven also appears in Haida and Tsimshian belief systems. In Tlingit culture, shamans played a crucial role. Shamanic responsibilities included curing illnesses, and they were believed to possess healing powers because they could communicate with spirits. Shamans wore decorative masks and went into trances while performing healing rituals.