Northwest Coast Native Americans Spider Map
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First Nations of the Northwest Coast
Lesson Plans by Liane Hicks
The First Nations of the Northwest Coast of North America began their permanent settlements about 5,000 years ago where the mild climate, along with the ocean and forests’ abundance of resources, provided an excellent home. Engage and educate students with Storyboard That!
It's All About Geography
Lesson Plans by Liane Hicks
The beginning of all human societies and the development of their communities, traditions, technologies, and cultures were influenced by the environment in which they lived.
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Storyboard Description
Storyboard of the environment and culture of the indigenous peoples of the Northwest Coast.
Storyboard Text
- LOCATION
- ENVIRONMENT
- RESOURCES FROM THE FOREST
- FIRST NATIONS OF THE NORTHWEST COAST
- The Northwest Coast stretches south from Alaska through Canada to California along the Pacific Ocean.
- There are dense forests of fir, pine, and cedar trees and flat rocky beaches. The climate is mild and rainy.
- Cedar canoes are built for travel and fishing for salmon. The dense forests provide lumber for homes and hunting for game like elk, deer, and bears.
- RESOURCES FROM THE COAST
- The First Nations that call this region home include: Tlingit, Tsimshian, Haida, Kwakwaka’wakw (Kwakiutl), Heiltsuk, Nuxalk (Bella Coola), Makah, Chinook, and Yurok. They speak different languages but share a common background.
- TRADITIONS AND CULTURE
- NATIVE AMERICANS OF THE NORTHWEST COAST
- CLOTHING
- HOMES
- The Pacific Ocean provides shells for making jewelry and decorative and spiritual carvings, even money. They also hunted sea mammals including seals and whales.
- They had a rich oral tradition of histories and legends. Potlatch ceremonies included entire communities. They also carved items from ivory, wood, and stone that were practical or represented spiritual beliefs.
- They created waterproof clothing from the soft inner core of cedar bark to protect against the heavy rains. Warm clothing was made from animal hides.
- They built large wooden homes decorated with ornate carvings and paintings that could accommodate many families. Outside stand massive totem poles carved with symbols of animals and spirits.
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