Especially impressive was the distinctive art, including totem poles.
While there were a number of different bands in the region, among the largest were the following:
Haida, Tlingit, and Tsimshian
In Southeast Alaska (Alaska Panhandle) and the north portion of British Columbia the Haida, Tlingit and Tsimshian dominated. The Tlingit occupied an area of Alaska extending from Mt. St. Elias south through present-day Juneau and Sitka and surrounding coastal areas and panhandle islands.
The Haida were centered in the Queen Charlotte Islands of present-day Canada, while the Tsimshian made their homes along the mainland coast of northern British Columbia. Artists of these bands continue to produce exceptional artwork based on traditional designs.