The Northwest Coast cultures can be divided into three broad regional divisions:  Northern; Central; and Southern.  Some of the Northern societies may include: Tlingit, Tsimshian, and Haida (Queen Charlotte Islands).  The Central societies may include: Kwakiutl, Bella Coola, Nuu-chah-nulth (Nootka) and Makah.  Southern societies may include: Coast Salish (south of Puget Sound), and Chinook.
The Northwest Coast extends along the Pacific coast of North America from southern Alaska over 1,500 miles south to far southern Oregon and northern California.  The region is long and narrow, with little inland territory.   The coastline is rugged, and many islands lie close to it.  The largest being Vancouver Island.