Coast Salish

Coast Salish

The term Coast Salish describes people from many different communities along the coast of the Salish Sea, what we know as the Pacific North West. Traditionally, people were known by their family relationships and the villages where they lived. Language spoken varied from place to place, although all belonged to the Salish family of languages.

The natural environment provided everything needed for survival for the Coast Salish people. There was an abundance of food. Fish, especially salmon, contributed the greatest amount of food but the oceans and rivers also provided an abundance of clams and sea mammals. Land animals such as deer and bear could be found in the plentiful forests in the area. Plants provided edible sprouts, stems, bulbs, roots, berries and fruits. Mountain goats and a small, now extinct, domesticated dog provided wool for robes, aprons, hats and other items of clothing. Clothing could also be made of woven cedar bark or animal hides.

World Views - Beliefs - Values

In the Salish world view, elders are amongst the most precious of gifts.

The connection between Coast Salish people and the land and water of the Pacific Northwest is at the centre of cultural beliefs and practices.

For the Coast Salish peoples, the earth is the ultimate source of nourishment and knowledge. Earth provides gifts of food, shelter, clothing and medicine.
 
At the end of the First Salmon ceremony, an important type of First Foods ceremony, the bones of the salmon are returned to the water. This shows the salmon was well‐treated and it will be welcomed the following year.

Coast Salish people refer to the Western Red Cedar as “the tree of life” because it provides materials for canoes,

longhouses, clothing, tools and basketry.