Title: The Northwest Coastal People - Environment / Housing
Headings: 

Content: The Northwest Coastal People - Environment / Housing

















Northwest Coastal People
Groups in
this Region
Food / Hunting / Tools
Transportation / Migration
Religion / Ceremonies / Art / Clothing
Family / Social Structure / Leadership
Tribal Relations / War
The Northwest Coastal People lived on the west coast of Canada,
occupying the western shore and the islands of British Columbia, and reaching up into the Yukon. The Environment
The First Peoples of the area lived in a narrow section of coastal land stretching from Washington State to Northern B.C., and into Alaska. Temperatures were moderate, which allowed the people to fish all year. The environment of the Northwest Coast of Canada was very diverse, and often extreme. It included: Rugged coastline (Pacific Ocean)
Wide and narrow beaches
Deep fjords
Mountains (near coast)
Many islands
Spruce, cedar, and fir forests
Inland rivers and lakes
All the people lived near the water, either the Pacific Ocean or an inland river or lake, and relied heavily on water for their survival. Salmon was the single most important food the Northwest Coast peoples, and the rivers were full of them. The people had access to the Pacific Ocean for fishing and collecting other food like clams and shellfish. They also took advantage of the expanse of forest in the area and used cedar trees to make everything from their houses and canoes, to their blankets and clothing. They also hunted for deer and elk in the forests.