1. Northwest:
- Salmon: Salmon was a vital food source for Northwest tribes. They caught salmon during seasonal migrations, preserving them through smoking, drying, or fermenting.
- Shellfish: Clams, mussels, oysters, and other shellfish were abundant in the coastal regions and were harvested by Northwest tribes.
- Roots and Berries: The forests provided a variety of roots, such as camas, wild onions, and bitterroot, as well as berries like huckleberries, salmonberries, and blackberries.
- Hunting: Tribes also hunted deer, elk, bear, and other game for meat, using bows, arrows, and traps.
2. Southwest:
- Corn (Maize): Corn was a staple crop for Southwest tribes. They grew different varieties of corn and used it for making bread, tortillas, soups, and stews.
- Beans and Squash: Beans and squash were also important crops, often grown together in the "Three Sisters" method. These crops provided protein and nutrients.
- Hunting: Southwest tribes hunted bison, deer, antelope, and other animals. They used bows, arrows, spears, and traps for hunting.
- Gathering: They also gathered wild plants, such as agave, cactus fruits, nuts, and seeds.
In summary, the diets of Native Americans in the Northwest were centered around salmon, shellfish, roots, and berries, while those living in the Southwest relied on corn, beans, squash, and other crops, supplemented by hunting and gathering.