Tlingit society is divided into two halves, or moities, named the Ravens and the Eagles. Every Tlingit person belongs to one side or the other. Within each moiety, there are many clans. Some of the clans of the Raven moiety include the Frog, Goose, Owl, Raven, Salmon, and Sea Lion. Clans of the Eagle moiety include the Auk, Bear, Eagle, Shark, Whale, and Wolf.

Other Northwest Coast cultures have similar and equally complex social structures, some with two divisions and some with more.