Why did the American Indians of the region choose to use fish in their religious ceremonies? Fish were the most common animal in their environment.

Fish were rare, so they honored this valuable commodity.

They depended upon salmon for their survival.
The geography of the Pacific Northwest, which you just studied on the map, played an important role in shaping the culture of the American Indian tribes who lived there.

The Pacific Ocean and the Columbia River provided lots of fish, as well as a way to travel and trade.

Fishing and boat building became important elements of their culture. Fish even played a role in their religious ceremonies. For example, the first salmon ceremony honored the important role salmon played in feeding the tribe.