Final answer:
Salmon is the commodity most vital to the survival of the Indigenous peoples in the Pacific Northwest, as it was a significant food source and a cultural keystone.
Step-by-step explanation:
The commodity that has been the most important to the economic survival of the Indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest is D. Salmon. Salmon were not only a crucial source of protein but also a central part of the Indigenous peoples' culture and economy. When salmon migrated upstream to spawn, they were abundant and could be easily captured through various methods such as traps, crude dams, or spears. The Indigenous peoples utilized salmon in many ways; they were consumed immediately or preserved through drying for later use.
Salmon fishing was deeply embedded in the societal structure, influencing political organizations and cultural practices, such as potlatches, which reinforced the complex hierarchical social system. Other commodities like canoes, furs, and whales were indeed part of the economy but did not match the pivotal role of salmon which was a key staple food, providing a reliable and bountiful resource that sustained large populations and shaped cultural identities