INDG 101: Northwest Coast and Plateau

Overview of the Northwest Coast and Plateau

• Northwestern Coast and Plateau region is characterized by:
• Large geographic area with diverse languages and cultures.
• Linguistic diversity: 6 out of 11 language families on Turtle Island are found here.

Key Topics Covered

• Geography and Environment
• Historical Overview
• Indigenous Creation Stories: Sq’éwlets, Haida, Secwepemc
• Archaeological Findings
• Current Events: Haida Repatriation

Indigenous Peoples and Languages

• First Nations Peoples: Common names and phonetic guides to improve pronunciation.
• Haida, Ktunaxa, Tsimshian, Nisga'a, Nuu-chah-nulth, Coast Salish, etc.
• Historical references to names and their associated language families.

Sq’éwlets Indigenous Perspectives

• Sxwōxwiyám
• Ancient stories reflect a time of harmony between animals and humans, with transformative capabilities.
• Link to digital resource: Sq’éwlets Sxwōxwiyám.
• Sqwélqwel
• Refers to oral histories about ancestors and their interaction with the land.
• Link to digital resource: Sq’éwlets Sqwélqwel.

The Haida Culture

• Reside on Haida Gwaii ("Islands of the People").
• Their language is unique (an isolate), not related to any other.
• Notable creation myth: Depicted in Bill Reid's Raven and the First Men.

Secwepemc Creation Beliefs

• The world has always existed, expanding from lakes and rivers.
• Primary beings, often human-animal hybrids; notable transformer: the Coyote.
• Regional theme of spiritual beings emerging to shape the world.

Coastal Evolution and Resources

• Historical migration patterns and significant marine resources: fish, clams, and berries.
• Technological advancements in fish traps and clam gardens showcased the input of sustainable practices.

Architectural Structures

• House Types: Pit houses are a defining aspect of Plateau architecture (e.g., central hearth, earthen covering).
• Rock art significance varying from pictographs (boundary markers) to petroglyphs (ceremonial sites).

Socio-Political Dimensions

• Territoriality expressed through pictographs and cultural sensitivity toward archaeological study.
• Emphasizing spiritual connections to the land, indigenous knowledge remains a living tradition.

Conclusion

• The region's rich tapestry of cultures highlights the importance of ongoing dialogue between archaeological practices and indigenous voices.
• Strong emphasis on community preservation and knowledge sharing for future generations.