The native Americans of the northwestern sections of the continent, from Alaska down to northern California can be considered as having a common culture. These peoples were heavily involved in the use of the natural resources they found in this area. Hunting and fishing were the common food sources as both were plentiful. The fishing in fact was often carried out from large dug out canoes which could hold up to 30 people. The fish were plentiful, as large scoals of salmon would run up into the rivers and streams where there would be trapped by the thousands. The native peoples did not only consume the fish caught, but they would also dry a great deal of the fish for later consumption. It should be noted that in the way of all cultures that live in harmony with nature, all things provided was used, and so to would the oil from the drying salmons, which would be captured during the process.

THE TOTEM: Perhaps most recognizable of the artifacts of these people is that of the Totem Pole. These poles were often used in the construction of the family dwelling, and also were often created to honor a person, record an event or to symbolize some special privilege. The Totem also served to strength and maintain the social structure of the civilization. The villages (up to 1000 persons) were divided into family units or clan (not unlike the Scottish society) and the Totems served to represent to which "clan" the family belonged. If in a time of peace, if another Indian came into the village, he would know to which family he could go to seek food and lodging, and also protection from the others in the camp. He would be accepted as a kinsman. This activity accomplish a number of things, but first among them it ensured that the beliefs and stories of the spirits, origins of fire etc. preserved and common. War among the tribes and the Totemic clans was very common during the periods when gathering of food was not necessary. There was a great pride taken in the military victory of one tribe over another, and so any stratagem was acceptable against the enemy. Often quite elaborate, the raids proved deadly to the tribe attacked, or perhaps worse yet, the vanquished found themselves enslaved. The slaves although mostly treated kindly were chattel to the owner, and it was not uncommon for an owner to have them beat to death during some festival as a sign of his power before visiting groups.

The lady HANGING HAIR:One legend out of the area deals with "Keagyihl Depguesk" a dangerous whirlpool. The people living in the region of Kaegyihl Depguesk were saddened as a great number of their young men were being taken by the whirlpool when they went out to fish for the tribe. As fate would have it just across the river was a kind spirit called HANGLING HAIR, and she called a great feast of all the great monster powers of the area to intercede on behave of the people. All the powers came in and demonstrated his skills, like falling as cliffs or freezing as pieces of ice or burning like forest fires. At the feast, each had his place, and after fed all being in a good mood, lady Hanging Hair suggested that it was time to be considerate of the people, who made offering to the spirit of the whirlpool. After debate it was agreed to shake the earth so that a high bluff which deflects the water of the river, should be moved to a new place thereby reducing the flow water into the whirlpool. Soon the earth shook, the wind blew and the forest fires burned the trees, all in such a way that no one was hurt, but when the storms were completed, the bluff had been broken down and the river was now quiet and broad. The whirlpool was no more, and instead was a gentle eddy that actually helped the fisherman on their way.

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