Peoples of the Pacific Northwest

The Pacific Northwest tribes made up a smaller group overall than other Native American cultures of the time. In this way of life, every home was made from wood. Homes were built for more than one family. There is evidence that houses were over 1,000 feet long--big enough for a whole village. There were no windows, just a hole in the roof to let air in. In the center of each house was a lowered pit, used as a fire pit for cooking and as a place to gather. The most important family member lived in the room furthest to the back--the room with the most privacy. The whole village pointed towards a body of water, be it a river, bay, or the ocean.

Outside of each home stood a totem pole. A totem consisted of a large, carved cedar log with animals, birds, and other religious symbols. The totem pole would tell the story of the family.