Vocabulary Words for Indigenous People of the Pacific Northwest

Ethnicity

• A social group that shares a common and distinctive culture, religion, language, or the like.

• A biological classification based on physical characteristics.

• A political affiliation based on shared beliefs and values.

• A geographical region defined by natural boundaries.

Heritage

• The legacy of cultural resources and traditions passed down from previous generations, often preserved for their historical significance.

• A modern interpretation of cultural practices that emphasizes innovation over tradition.

• A collection of artifacts that are displayed in museums without any historical context.

• The process of creating new cultural practices that are not influenced by the past.

Sovereignty

• The authority of a group or community to govern itself; independence and self-rule.

• The power of a government to control its citizens without external interference.

• The ability of a nation to engage in international trade.

• The right of a country to form alliances with other nations.

Culture

• The beliefs, customs, arts, and social institutions of a particular group of people.

• A type of food that is popular in a specific region.

• A style of music that originated in the 20th century.

• A form of government that emphasizes individual rights.

Ritual

• A set of actions or ceremonies performed according to a prescribed order, often with cultural or religious significance.

• A spontaneous act of kindness without any formal structure.

• A casual gathering of friends without any specific purpose.

• A series of random events that occur without any meaning.

Tradition

• The act of creating new customs and beliefs.

• The transmission of customs or beliefs from generation to generation within a culture.

• A modern practice that has no historical significance.

• A temporary trend that fades over time.

Indigenous

• Native to a specific region or environment; originating naturally in a particular place.

• Belonging to a foreign country or region.

• Having a widespread distribution across multiple continents.

• Developed through artificial means or human intervention.

Artisan

• A skilled craftsperson who creates handmade goods, often reflecting cultural heritage and practices.

• A person who sells goods in a market.

• An artist who specializes in painting and drawing.

• A factory worker who operates machinery.