Northwest Coast

Spectacular mountains, wide beaches, dense forests, and mild weather made the northwest coast a rich place to live for the Haida, Tlingit and the other groups from that area. There was plenty of food everywhere, from deer and bear to ducks, seals and fish, not to mention all kinds of fruits and edible plants. Thousands of pacific salmon would swim up the rivers each year, a main source of food for the peoples of the coast. Their way of life revolved around their natural surroundings; the towering cedar trees were used to make boats, totem poles, houses, fish nets, baskets and clothing, which meant that most tribes were skilled at carpentry, spinning and weaving. And since different foods were found in specific areas during certain times of the year, tribes would often move from their winter villages to other sites throughout the seasons, then back again to their home base.