The West Native Americans By: Bella B. February 7, 2013
Region• The West Coast region extends about 2,000 miles from Alaska to California.• The region had a wet climate and mild winters and cool summers.• It is a mountainous area with offshore islands and forests with tall trees.
Tribes• The Mojave• The Chinook• The Tsimshian• The Tlingit
Shelter• They built wooden plank houses big enough for several related families.• This house both the building and the families in it are an important part of the clan.
Food• The Salmon Run was when the salmon would swim upstream and lay there eggs it was when they got the salmon for the year.• They hunted bears, deer, and elk.• They picked fresh berries from the forest.
Clothing• The men usually wore breech clothes.• The women wore only short skirts made of cedar bark.• Further inland they wore animal skin.
Crafts• They are known for their baskets, carving, and totem poles.• They also weaved.
Weapons and Tools• The fishermen used harpoons, bone fishhooks, and wooden fish traps.• Hunters used bows and arrows, and spears.• They also used bows and arrows, and spears for war.
Everyday Life• The women gathered plants and herbs and did most of the child care and cooking.• The men were fishermen and hunted and sometimes went to war to protect their families.
Traditions and Ceremonies• An important event was often celebrated with a potlatch.• Potlatches are special feasts where the guest not the host receive gifts.