Methods of Hunting
The Haida people constructed many hunting tools and developed effective methods which they used to capture the many forms of wildlife that were accessible to them. They usually fished in wooden canoes and they used nets made of special mesh, traps made out of small tree branches, as well as hand-carved spears to catch the plentiful salmon that traveled upriver in the fall to spawn. Seals were killed with clubs, and groups of men were sent out to hunt whales, which were killed with harpoons. The men and women also dug in the sand near the oceans in search of oysters and crabs. On land, the people commonly hunted grizzly bears, beavers, deer, moose, foxes, rabbits and wolves. The weapons that were usually used to hunt these animals were snares, deadfalls (where a log falls on an animal), and the bow and arrow. The Haida rarely planted crops because of the plethora of wild animals that the forests and ocean offered them. In conclusion, the people of the Haida nation were very fortunate to live in an area with such a variety of resources and wildlife that made obtaining food easy.
The Haida people constructed many hunting tools and developed effective methods which they used to capture the many forms of wildlife that were accessible to them. They usually fished in wooden canoes and they used nets made of special mesh, traps made out of small tree branches, as well as hand-carved spears to catch the plentiful salmon that traveled upriver in the fall to spawn. Seals were killed with clubs, and groups of men were sent out to hunt whales, which were killed with harpoons. The men and women also dug in the sand near the oceans in search of oysters and crabs. On land, the people commonly hunted grizzly bears, beavers, deer, moose, foxes, rabbits and wolves. The weapons that were usually used to hunt these animals were snares, deadfalls (where a log falls on an animal), and the bow and arrow. The Haida rarely planted crops because of the plethora of wild animals that the forests and ocean offered them. In conclusion, the people of the Haida nation were very fortunate to live in an area with such a variety of resources and wildlife that made obtaining food easy.
Economy
The economy of the Haida people traditionally rested on a combination of
fishing, shellfish gathering, hunting and plant gathering. Much effort was put into extracting and preserving as much food as possible because of the seasonal variations in food availability. The tribe traded heavily with the Coast Tsimshian and Tlingit, which helped to boost their already thriving
economy even more. Trade was also conducted amongst other Haida communities for even more food and other basic necessities. In summary, the Haida people had a very strong economy that was solely based on plentiful food supply and other necessary tools.
The economy of the Haida people traditionally rested on a combination of
fishing, shellfish gathering, hunting and plant gathering. Much effort was put into extracting and preserving as much food as possible because of the seasonal variations in food availability. The tribe traded heavily with the Coast Tsimshian and Tlingit, which helped to boost their already thriving
economy even more. Trade was also conducted amongst other Haida communities for even more food and other basic necessities. In summary, the Haida people had a very strong economy that was solely based on plentiful food supply and other necessary tools.
Gender Roles
The roles that the men and women of the Haida nation had were very different from one another. Marriages were usually arranged when the children were infants, so nobody was able to choose their own spouse. During their childhood, girls were usually taught how to cook, clean and various other tasks by their mothers, while boys were taught how to hunt and fish by their fathers. Women and girls typically gathered plants, preserved and cooked the food, prepared animal skins, made clothing and twined baskets. They also collected muscles and oysters from the sand near the ocean and squeezed and collected fish oils. Men usually rose early in the mornings with their sons to hunt and fish, but they also were in charge of building canoes and houses, carving and painting. Both genders collected shellfish and hunted birds.
The roles that the men and women of the Haida nation had were very different from one another. Marriages were usually arranged when the children were infants, so nobody was able to choose their own spouse. During their childhood, girls were usually taught how to cook, clean and various other tasks by their mothers, while boys were taught how to hunt and fish by their fathers. Women and girls typically gathered plants, preserved and cooked the food, prepared animal skins, made clothing and twined baskets. They also collected muscles and oysters from the sand near the ocean and squeezed and collected fish oils. Men usually rose early in the mornings with their sons to hunt and fish, but they also were in charge of building canoes and houses, carving and painting. Both genders collected shellfish and hunted birds.
Here is a short video regarding traditional spruce root weaving:
Ceremonies and Religious Beliefs
The ceremonies and religious beliefs of the Haida tribe were very unique and different from other cultures. The people prayed and gave offerings to masters of game animals and beings that gave wealth. Animals were classified as special types of people, more intelligent than humans and were believed to be able to transform into human form. Also, animal spirits were thought to live on land, in the sea and in the sky, with a social order that mirrored the Haida people. Celebrations and ceremonies were held for many reasons such as the completion of a house to announcing a new chief. Some common ceremonial events were feasts, potlaches and dance performances, all of which were hosted by men of a higher ranking. Potlaches were special feasts where dances were performed and where property was distributed for occasions such as the naming of children and the death of an elder. Although potlaches included feasts and dance performances, these two celebrations could also be held separately. In conclusion, the Haida had very intriguing religious beliefs and celebrations that reflected their deep connection to their natural surroundings and the importance that they placed on their families and accomplishments.
The ceremonies and religious beliefs of the Haida tribe were very unique and different from other cultures. The people prayed and gave offerings to masters of game animals and beings that gave wealth. Animals were classified as special types of people, more intelligent than humans and were believed to be able to transform into human form. Also, animal spirits were thought to live on land, in the sea and in the sky, with a social order that mirrored the Haida people. Celebrations and ceremonies were held for many reasons such as the completion of a house to announcing a new chief. Some common ceremonial events were feasts, potlaches and dance performances, all of which were hosted by men of a higher ranking. Potlaches were special feasts where dances were performed and where property was distributed for occasions such as the naming of children and the death of an elder. Although potlaches included feasts and dance performances, these two celebrations could also be held separately. In conclusion, the Haida had very intriguing religious beliefs and celebrations that reflected their deep connection to their natural surroundings and the importance that they placed on their families and accomplishments.
Page Made By: Danielle Chies