Government, Reputation, & Wealth Pacific Northwest Native Americans in Olden Times   Unlike other tribes across the country, the Pacific Northwest Coastal Indians never developed democracy. That made them different. Instead, they ruled by wealth.  The clan with the most wealth had the most power. They set great store by wealth, family connections, and slave ownership. They took social climbing to a new level.  One of the ways you gained great respect was by giving things away. If someone gave you one blanket, you gave them two or three blankets. Such generosity made a man famous. The Potlatch The Fur Trade Money Blankets & Coppers Clans & Marriage Free Presentations in PowerPoint format  Free Clip Art Return to the Northwest Indians Index   or the Native American Index  All Rights Reserved    Clip Art Credit: Phillip Martin Have a great year!