The Northwest Coast

The Northwest Coast has been the home of many indigenous cultures for over 10,000 years, including today’s Tlingit, Haida, Kwakwaka’wakw, Nuu-chah-nulth and Kwih-dich-chuch-ahtx (Makah).

In the past, these peoples lived in permanent villages, developed rich ceremonial and artistic traditions and were linked by extensive trade networks. Societies were hierarchical, with ceremonial privileges and rights to resources passed down through family lines.

The arrival of Europeans in the mid-1700s had a deep impact on Northwest Coast cultures. At first, trade benefited everyone. Local leaders gained prestige by distributing newly introduced wealth. Artistic production flourished, with artists creating new works for their own communities as well as for trade to Europeans.

The benefits were short-lived. Smallpox and other European diseases had a devastating impact on Native communities. Many languages and cultural practices were lost due to suppression by government and religious institutions.

Today, many traditional practices continue, while others are being rediscovered. Indigenous peoples participate fully in modern North American society, but also seek to retain their distinct cultural identities

In this section

• The Potlatch
• Crest Art
• Artistic Traditions
• The Charles Newcombe collection
• The Richard Hunt pole

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