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The Northwest coast of America

The northwest coast has an exceptional climate conducive to the growth of temperate rainforests sheltering many animal species. In addition to these resources, the indigenous people took most of their food from the sea and rivers. Towards the end of the eighteenth century, a population of about 250,000 people lived in this natural environment leading one of the most complex lifestyles for sedentary, non agricultural peoples.

The origins of powers and privileges

The encounters between the human and spirit worlds underlie the ritual activities of the groups on the northwest coast. The powers and privileges obtained during these supernatural encounters may be prestigious names, titles and emblems, ceremonial songs, dances, or special access to salmon rivers or hunting grounds in the forest. All these elements are validated by myths and stories and vigorously reasserted during the potlatches; they constitute the community’s wealth and determine its social position in relation to its neighbours.