The Southwest is made up of a mixture of Spanish American, American Indian, and European American cultures. The architecture, food, crops, names, and activities are all influenced by these cultures. The cultural heritage in Washington State is a mixture of agricultural, maritime, industrial, and high-tech influences. The state is a land rich with loggers and farmers, ranchers and cowboys, fishermen and sailers, high-tech visionaries and ambitious enterpreneurs. "This is where commercial aviation took flight. It's where computer technology was transformed from a science fiction abstraction in the minds of most Americans into an everyday tool. It's also the place where some of the planet's coolest rock stars and greatest songwriters picked up their first guitars and found an audience."
The state is a mixture of Native people, people of Latino, European, Asian, and African decent. Its maritime, agricultural, and industrial influences formed its cultural and historical character. American Indian tribes have influenced the state's culture the most because of its arrival to the area thousands of years ago. Indian tribes still live on 26 reservations. Their traditions are shown at tribal centers, galleries, and museums around the state.
The Nisqually Tribe resides in the western are of the state. They live on a reservation in the Nisqually River valley near the river delta. They speak the Lushootseed language, which is the traditional tongue of the Nisqually and neighboring tribes. The tribe's ancestors are believed to have trekked north from the Great Basin and traversed the Cascade Mountains.
The tribe's culture is based in the natural environment, in particular species of salmon and the red cedar. They harvested shellfish, hunted, and raised horses. They are also known to be very peaceful. They dismiss notions of war between other tribes in Western Washington. They known as a fishing tribe. Salmon is the mainstay of their diet and the foundation of their culture.
Sources:
"::: American Indians of the Pacific Northwest :." ::: UW Libraries Digital Collections :::. Web. 30 Apr. 2011. <http://content.lib.washington.edu/aipnw/thrush.html>.
"Appreciate Washington Arts, Culture & Heritage." Washington The State. Web. 30 Apr. 2011. <http://www.experiencewa.com/experience-washington/arts-culture-and-heritage/appreciate-washington-arts-culture-and-heritage.aspx>.
"Nisqually Indian Tribe." United States History. Web. 30 Apr. 2011. <http://www.u-s-history.com/pages/h1561.html>.
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