Warfare in these regions could classified as either dominated by feuds or of the more brutal conquest type. With the Nootkan and Kwakiutl being the dividing line, they and the tribes northward frequently participated in wars of conquest. These vicious conflicts involved acquiring consolidating holding in their area, such as on an islan,d or expanding control , such as over trade routes, to neighboring areas. These bitter wars occurred not only between Nations but also between clans and tribes within a Nation. One Northern custom involved the conducting of a raid on neighbors as part of the mourning ritual for a dead chief, regardless of the reason why he died.

Though feuds were conducted in the north, it was the primary method of warfare in the areas south of the Nootkan-Kwakiutl line. In fact in several Nations where warrior skills influenced social status, the killing of a warrior from outside of the tribe or Nation did not count toward advancement. Only those kills from tribal members counted.

The main weapons of the pre-firearm era included, bows, clubs, double-bladed daggers, slings, pikes and harpoons. The slings were more common in the north due in part to the difficulty in making and maintaining strong bows and arrows. Russians reported the Aleuts as using darts. Harpoons were used only in an emergency and were not considered a military weapon. Though referred to as a pike, the spear used in combat was a short, heavy, thrusting spear which was not thrown. The favored weapon for close combat was the double-bladed dagger whose wedge shape was designed to penetrate body armor. Also the short blade was included to provide for an upward thrust toward the throat and chin after a failed stroke at the body. Another favored weapon of the area was the heavy one-handed club. In the north, these were often beautifully carved and handed down through a family line.

While shields were rare, the use of highly elaborate body armor was common. In the North Cuirasses of elk and moose skin was common. Even entire cloaks of these skins were used. Further south where the skins were more difficult to obtain, the skins were cut into strips which were used to cover the warrior from his armpit to his hip. In some cases, especially in the south bearskins were used. Among the coastal tribes where such skins were less common, body armor consisted of woven and plated rod-reeds. The rod-reed armor was very effective against the pre-firearm weapons, especially arrows. Also popular among the Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian nations were elaborately carved wooden helmets.

Here are some of the other characteristics of regional warfare. The removal of the head was common in the Mackenzie region, especially among the Eskimos, who brought the trophies back and placed them on poles in front of the village. The Tlinglits cut off the heads then later scalped them during the journey home. Accounts seem to indicate that scalping was common, in the more southern areas of the regions. In regards to raids, the preferred type was a dawn attack on a sleeping village. If the villaged was alarmed and ready, the raiders may stay outside the village, often in warcanoes, and taunt the warriors inside but not attack.

More America's Far West

Introduction
Warfare Among the Native Nations of the Mackenzie and Northwest Coast
Major Nations in the Mackenzie and Northwest Coast Regions
The Nations of the Plateau
Major Nations of the Great Basin
Major Nations of the California Region
Chronology of Conflicts