Similarities and Differences

• It isn't surprising that all of these cultures share certain similarities, given that they all evolved in a similar climate, with similar weather and natural resources. Also, there has historically been a lot of interaction between the various groups of the Pacific Northwest, including trade, intermarriage and occasional conflict. Despite these shared histories, each group is a different culture, with distinct histories, beliefs and customs. Groups such as the Kumeyaay and Shoshone of Southern California and Baja Mexico live in much drier climates and have developed different cultures.
  
  

Carving

• The Haida have lived on the West Coast of British Columbia for thousands of years, since long before it was British Columbia. They have developed a tradition of elaborate cedar carving that is used on masks, canoes and totem poles. Distinctive motifs include red and black coloring, and stylized bird heads with large rectangular eyes. Totem poles were traditionally used as markers of social roles, and would be erected in front of leaders' homes. The imagery on the totem poles tells stories from Haida legend.
  
  

Salmon

• The salmon is central to most coastal communities. Native people catch the salmon by building traps out of poles that stretch across rivers during the salmon migration. Many salmon are caught and then dried to be used throughout the year. Because of the practical importance of the salmon, it also plays a large role in Native art and culture.
  
  

Mythology

• The mythology and creation myths of West Coast Native groups are rich with stories of animals and journeys. Two of the central characters in these stories are Raven and Coyote. Coyote is usually represented as a Trickster, a bumbling character who is always getting into trouble, yet somehow manages to survive and impart wisdom to others.
  
  

Languages

• The language families spoken by these groups include Nadene, Penutian and Wakashan. Nadene encompasses Athabaskan, Eyak and Tlingit, and is spoken by the Tlingit and the Haida. Penutian is spoken by the Chinook and Tsimshian, and the Wakashan family is spoken by the Kwakiutl, Makah and Nootka. Most native people speak English as well.
  
  

Southern Groups

• The climate south of what is now San Francisco and the Bay Area differs markedly from the wet rainforest ecosystems of the north. The Kumeyaay and Shoshone groups who live in these areas have more in common with Arizonan Native groups such as the Hopi and Zuni. Their art is based more on weaving and pottery and less on woodcarving, due to the different natural materials available in the region.