Salish Topics – Access Genealogy

Quinaielt Tribe

The Quinaielt Tribe, a Salish group located along the Quinaielt River and the coastal region of Washington, comprised two divisions, the Calasthocle and the Quiniilt, with populations of 100 and 1,000, respectively. By 1909, their numbers had dwindled to 156, overseen by the Puyallup school superintendency. Historical accounts, including those of Lewis and Clark, provide insights into their culture and social structure. For further understanding, additional resources are available, including their treaty with the United States.

Puyallup Tribe

The Puyallup Tribe, a significant Salish group located along the Puyallup River and Commencement Bay in Washington, derives its name from the Nisqualli term for the river’s mouth, or possibly from the word meaning “shadow,” due to their forested environment. In 1854, the tribe ceded its lands to the United States through the Medicine Creek Treaty, agreeing to relocate to a designated reservation near Shenahnam Creek. As of 1901, the Puyallup population on the reservation stood at 536, declining to 469 by 1909.

Salish Tribe

The Salish Indians, part of the Salishan family, primarily inhabited west Montana, especially around Flathead Lake. Often referred to as the Flatheads—not for head deformation but for their naturally flat-headed appearance—they were known for hunting as their main subsistence. In 1855, they ceded their lands in Montana and Idaho through the treaties of Hell Gate and at Judith River. Their population fluctuated, with estimates of 600 in 1806 decreasing to about 325 by 1853, partly due to conflicts with the Siksika.

Suquamish Tribe

The Suquamish Tribe, a Salish group situated on the western side of Puget Sound in Washington, historically claimed territory extending from Appletree Cove to Gig Harbor. Chief Seattle, after whom the city is named, led the tribe along with the Dwamish in 1853. The tribe had a population of 441 in 1857, which decreased to 180 by 1909.

Nooksak Tribe

The Nooksak Tribe, a Salish group residing in Whatcom County, Washington, is composed of three smaller bands along the river that bears their name. In 1906, an official enumeration recorded approximately 200 Nooksak individuals. However, historian Hill-Tout suggests that only around six genuine male Nooksak remain. They share a dialect with the Squawmish tribe, indicating a historical connection from which they have since diverged.

Salishan Indian Dialects

The Salishan dialects are classified into two main groups: Interior and Coast. The Interior dialects include Lillooet, Ntlakyapamuk, Shusowap, and Okinagan, along with several subdivisions. Coast dialects encompass tribes such as Bellacoola, Comox, Saanich, and Squawmish, extending through British Columbia and into Washington State. The Nisqualli group and the Twana, Chehalis, and Tillamook dialects represent diverse languages and cultures throughout the region. Each dialect reflects unique tribal identities and linguistic heritage.

Stehtsasamish Tribe

The Stehtsasamish, a division of the Salish people, resided near Budds Inlet, close to present-day Olympia, Washington. In 1854, their population was recorded at 20 individuals by ethnographer Gibbs. The term “Stéhchass” is noted by Gibbs as the Nisqualli name for the area now known as Olympia.

Sinkiuse – Sinkyone Tribe

The Sinkiuse Tribe, part of the Salish division under Chief Moses, lived along the Columbia River. In 1878, tensions arose due to fears surrounding Indian unrest, leading to suspicions against Moses regarding the murder of a settler couple. Despite offers to assist in capturing the actual murderers, Moses and his men were wrongfully arrested. Eventually, he successfully negotiated for a separate reservation for his people, resulting in the establishment of the Columbia Reservation in 1879, clearing him of any wrongdoing in the murder case.

Spokane Tribe

Mr. and Mrs. Three Mountain, Washington State, circa 1920

The photograph, attributed to Mr. and Mrs. Three Mountain around 1920, likely features William Three Mountains of the Spokane Tribe. The image, sourced from Powell Tobiasen, is undated and possibly taken in Lincoln or Spokane County, Washington. The Spokane Tribe, consisting of several divisions along the Spokane River, was originally named by the Skitswish. Historical population estimates indicate a decline from 600 in 1805 to 509 in Washington by 1909, reflecting the complex history of the Spokane Indians and their divisions.

Ntlakyapamuk Tribe

The Ntlakyapamuk Tribe, also referred to as the Thompson Indians, is one of the prominent Salish tribes in British Columbia, primarily residing along the Thompson and Fraser rivers. They are divided into two main groups, the Lower Thompsons and the Upper Thompsons, with the latter further subdivided into four bands. The Upper Thompsons cover areas from Lillooet to Ashcroft, while the Lower Thompsons extend to Cisco. In total, their population was recorded at 1,826 in 1902 and 1,776 in 1906, with numerous villages across their territories.

Shahaptian Indians

The Shahaptian Indians, also known as Shahaptian Family, are a linguistic group primarily located in parts of southwest Idaho, southeast Washington, and northeast Oregon. Their territory historically spanned from the Rocky Mountains to the Cascade Range. The tribes, including the Nez Percé and Yakima, shared similar customs and relied heavily on salmon for sustenance, supplemented by hunting and gathering. The social structure was marked by loose family organization and local chief authority. Despite incursions by neighboring groups, the Shahaptians maintained relative peace with European settlers.

The Duke Of York – Cheetsamahoin

The Duke of York, known as Cheetsamahoin, served as the hereditary chief of the Clallam tribe near the Strait of Fuca. Appointed head chief by Governor Stevens in 1854, he was a respected and capable leader until he became too infirm for active duties in 1870, after which he was named an honorary chief. His loyalty to the government earned him admiration from both whites and Native Americans, and he is remembered for his integrity and the positive impact he had on his community.

Duwamish Tribe

The Duwamish Tribe, a small Salish group near Seattle, was originally based at Lake Washington’s outlet. In 1856, they were relocated due to a lack of fishing grounds. The tribe, often confused with other local bands, had a population ranging from 64 to 312. Chief Seattle, a prominent leader, was known for his friendship with White settlers and his commitment to peace. He passed away in 1866 and is remembered fondly by both his descendants and early settlers, with Seattle city named in his honor.

Salish Indians

The Salish Indians, known for their flatheads, inhabited western Montana, particularly around Flathead Lake, and were part of the Salishan linguistic family. They faced pressures from the Blackfoot, leading to westward migration. Historically, relations with white settlers were generally friendly, facilitated by missionary work from Father De Smet. Following treaties, the Salish ceded their lands, ultimately residing on a designated reservation. Population estimates varied, with census data indicating numbers ranging from 486 in 1910 to over 3,000 in earlier estimates.