Final answer:
Yes, Northwest Coast Native Americans were a chiefdom-level society with a hierarchical social organization. This society was stratified and leadership combined various forms of power, with potlatch playing a key role in maintaining social structure.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Northwest Coast Native Americans can indeed be considered an example of a chiefdom-level society. This social organization in the Pacific Northwest was characterized by a complex hierarchical system where power was concentrated within the leadership of clans. These clans were made up of families recognizing a common ancestor, often symbolized by important regional animals like ravens or whales. The leadership held not only political power but often combined aspects of economic, religious, and sometimes military dominance. Stratification was a notable characteristic, with individual, family, clan, and town rankings. The practice of 'potlatch' was central to this society, reinforcing the status and hierarchy among members and other clans through ceremonial gift-giving and feasts.