"What was the main food source for the Northwest?"
History · High School · Thu Jan 21 2021
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The main food source for indigenous peoples of the Northwest Coast, which includes the coastal regions of what is now Southern Alaska, British Columbia, Washington, and Oregon, was historically a combination of fishing, hunting, and gathering. Specifically, fish—particularly salmon—held a pivotal role. Salmon runs were so abundant that these fish became the staple of the Northwest Coast diets and cultures. Aside from fish, the diet included other marine resources like shellfish, sea mammals (like whales and seals), and various plants, including berries and edible roots. The harvesting of food was intimately connected with the region's distinct ecological zones and was sustainably managed by the indigenous communities.