Page 32 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Pacific Northwest

30  INTRODUCING THE P A CIFIC NOR THWEST

First Nations Peoples of
the Pacific Northwest

For the First Nations peoples of the Pacific Northwest,
15,000 years of a bountiful life and rich cultural tradition were
abruptly upset when European traders and settlers began
arriving in the late 18th century. Diseases introduced by these
newcomers all but obliterated many First Nations. Those who
survived were forced to surrender their lands and ways of life,
and move to government-designated reservations. Today,
although indigenous people continue to fight against
racism and for their self-determination, Native A stone inukshuk, sign of friendship
traditions are increasingly recognized as
a vital part of the region’s rich heritage.
Native cultures and history can be
explored in such places as the Royal
BC Museum, in Victoria (see pp256–7);
Whatcom Museum, in Bellingham,
Washington (see p184); and Oregon’s
Museum at Warm Springs (see p106).

Artisans and Builders
The trunks of cedar trees were used by Pacific
Totem poles are among the best-known
artifacts created by the First Nations peoples Northwest First Nations peoples to make masks,
of the Pacific Northwest. Each pole depicts cooking utensils, wooden chests, elaborate
a legend; magical birds and beasts mix with dwellings up to 500 ft (150 m) long and aptly
semi-human figures to tell a story in carved called longhouses, and magnificent dugout
panels arranged in sequence up the pole. canoes, used for transportation, hunting,
Other elaborate carvings, such as those on and fishing.
masks, ornaments, and utensils, often also
represent real and supernatural beings.
Respect for the land underpins
the spirituality and way of life
of First Nations peoples of the
Pacific Northwest. Nature provides
all, so long as nature’s balance is
not disturbed. Chief Seattle once
said: “We are part of the Earth and
it is part of us. The perfumed
flowers are our sisters; the deer,
the horse, the great eagle, these
are our brothers. The rocky crests,
the juices in the meadows, the
body heat of the pony, and man –
all belong to the same family.”

US_PNW_030-031_Feature4.indd 30 04/07/16 12:38 pm