Final answer:
Yes, some Northwest coast Native Americans engaged in human sacrifice, influenced by cultural and religious factors.
Step-by-step explanation:
Yes, some Northwest coast Native Americans did engage in human sacrifice. However, it is important to note that human sacrifice was more commonly practiced by the Aztecs in Mesoamerica, rather than the Northwest coast Native Americans. The Aztecs, in an effort to appease their gods, practiced human sacrifice by ripping out the hearts of war captives.
The cultural and religious factors that influenced this practice may vary. Human sacrifice was seen as a way to ensure the cycles of the universe and opposing forces were sustained. To the Aztecs, who believed it was necessary to offer human sacrifices to please their gods and ensure the sunrise the next day, it was an integral part of their religious belief.
Keywords: Northwest coast Native Americans, human sacrifice, cultural factors, religious factors, Aztecs, Mesoamerica, appease gods, cycles of the universe.