Looking for a Coast Salish lesson and activities that combine cultural learning, art, patterns and hands-on exploration? This resource introduces students to Coast Salish Peoples while exploring weaving, geometric patterns and the history and significance of the potlatch.
Students learn that Coast Salish Peoples include many distinct Nations with their own languages, histories, territories and cultural practices. They also explore Coast Salish weaving as a living art form practiced by contemporary weavers today.
Coast Salish Lesson Plan
Introduce students to Coast Salish Peoples, territories and cultures.
The lesson helps students understand that Coast Salish Nations are diverse and present-day communities. It provides cultural context before students begin the weaving and pattern activities.
Coast Salish Weaving and Patterns
Students learn about the materials, tools, knowledge and skill involved in Coast Salish weaving.
Historical and contemporary Coast Salish weavers create blankets, tunics, skirts and other woven pieces using detailed techniques and patterns. Geometric forms such as lines, squares, triangles and zigzags may communicate stories, knowledge and relationships.
Students complete a pattern activity and hands-on weaving exploration before planning an original blanket-inspired design. They are encouraged to apply what they learned without copying an existing cultural weaving or presenting their work as authentic Coast Salish art.
Potlatch Lesson and Activity
Students learn about the history, purpose and cultural significance of the potlatch.
The lesson introduces the role potlatches can hold in recording important events, witnessing responsibilities, sharing wealth, giving names and bringing communities together. Students also learn that protocols and meanings vary among Nations.
The accompanying activity helps students reflect on giving, community and the importance of cultural continuity. It should not be presented as a simulation of a potlatch.
What Is Included?
☁︎ Coast Salish lesson plan
☁︎ Introduction to Coast Salish Peoples and cultures
☁︎ Coast Salish weaving lesson
☁︎ Weaving and geometric patterns activity
☁︎ Hands-on weaving exploration
☁︎ Original blanket-design activity
☁︎ Potlatch history and cultural significance
☁︎ Potlatch learning activity
☁︎ Three student activities
Perfect For
- Coast Salish lessons
- First Nations culture lessons
- Indigenous education
- Canadian social studies
- Indigenous art activities
- Elementary art
- Pattern units
- Hands-on weaving activities
- Northwest Coast learning
- National Indigenous History Month
- National Indigenous Peoples Day
- Local land and community learning
This Coast Salish lesson and activities resource provides an introductory starting point. Whenever possible, extend the learning with resources created by the Coast Salish Nation or Nations connected to your local area.
What Teachers Are Saying
“This worked out perfectly because I prefer to purchase from an Indigenous person, we were studying patterns, and learning about Indigenous cultures!” – Jennifer H.
“So great to find local Indigenous products that are culturally representative and not just in the past. My kids loved learning about and then getting to weave.” – Stephanie N.
