The name "Makah", which was given by neighboring tribes, means "Generous with food". The prehistoric Makah Nation had a population of about 4000 people and was composed of five villages. The five villages occupied the shore of the Pacific Ocean and the Strait of Juan de Fuca. The natural resources were abundant with plants and animals. The Makah adapted themselves to their environment, using practically everything they took from the land and sea. The five villages …showed first 75 words of 504 total…

…showed last 75 words of 504 total…totems are marketable. Whaling, sealing, and fishing were and still are, a large part of the livelihood of the Makah. The Makah's ancient language is taught to preschoolers, dance practices are held and they still go on canoe journeys. They continue to pass down songs old and new to celebrate important events in their lives. The Makah People cling to and try to preserve the ancient heritage as much as possible in the new millennium.