How intensive, and for how long, was slavery among the peoples of the Pacific Northwest?

by meninthemirror

Hello AskHistorians.

A friend mentioned today that the First Nations peoples of the Pacific Northwest (Vancouver, BC here, but I'm hoping for a more broadly regional answer) frequently raided other groups and took captives as slaves.

I've not had much luck with google, so I'm wondering if anyone can give me an idea of the extent of these practices, and what work captives were put to.

Thanks!

Reedstilt

I've got no answer for you unfortunately, but I wanted to make sure you were aware of our mega-AMA on Precolumbian Civilizations of the Americas tomorrow. If one (or more) of our relevant experts doesn't stop by to answer this question today, hopefully you can come by tomorrow and ask in the AMA.