First Nations Assignment

Fact Chart

Plateau:

Food = Salmon, plants, berries, edible roots/wild onion, wild lily bulbs, roots of a yellow flowers called balsam root, deer, bison

Shelter = pit houses, tents

Clothing = moccasins/deer hide, long shirts, breechcloths, belt, longleggings, long dresses, short leggings

Social Organization = Interior Salish?

Government ceremony = the sun dance, hunted bison, trade

Please add any more info, thanks.

http://500nations.com/Canada_Tribes.asp

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plateau_First_Nations

Sure, here is some additional information on the Plateau First Nations:

1. Location: The Plateau First Nations inhabited the regions of present-day British Columbia, eastern Washington, northern Idaho, and western Montana. The geography of this region consisted of mountains, forests, and rivers.

2. Fishing and Gathering: The Plateau First Nations relied heavily on salmon as a staple food source. They would catch salmon during the annual salmon runs in rivers and streams. In addition to salmon, they also gathered berries, edible plants, roots (such as wild onion and wild lily bulbs), and the roots of a yellow flower called balsam root.

3. Hunting: While fishing was their primary source of food, the Plateau First Nations also hunted animals such as deer and bison. They utilized various hunting techniques, including hunting parties and the use of traditional weapons like bows and arrows.

4. Shelter: The Plateau First Nations lived in pit houses and portable tents. Pit houses were semi-subterranean structures, built partly underground to provide insulation from the cold winters and hot summers. Portable tents, often made of animal hides, were used during hunting or traveling seasons.

5. Clothing: The clothing worn by the Plateau First Nations included moccasins made from deer hide, long shirts, breechcloths, belts, long leggings, long dresses for women, and short leggings for men.

6. Social Organization: The Plateau First Nations were comprised of different tribes, including the Interior Salish, which is one of the major linguistic groups in the region. These tribes had their own distinct social structures, with a chief or leader at the helm. They lived in small, autonomous communities and had close-knit family structures.

7. Government Ceremonies: The Plateau First Nations had various ceremonies and rituals important to their cultures. One significant ceremony was the sun dance, which involved spiritual and physical rituals, often associated with prayer and community bonding. The Plateau First Nations were also involved in activities like bison hunting and trade, which formed an important part of their cultural and economic exchanges with neighboring tribes.

By studying and understanding the indigenous cultures and histories, we can gain a deeper appreciation for their way of life, their relationship with the land, and their contributions to society.