The Wenatchee Indians, known as Winat ca by the Wasco, reside near the Methow and Wenatchee Rivers and Chelan Lake. They belong to the inland division of the Salishan family, closely related to the Sinkiuse-Columbia Indians. Their population, estimated at 1,400 in 1780, dwindled to just 52 by 1910. Subdivisions include Sinialkumuk and Sinkumchimuk, among others. Their name is preserved in the Wenatchee River, Lake Wenatchee, and the town of Wenatchee in Chelan County.
The Swinomish Indians are a subdivision of the Skagit tribe, part of the Salishan linguistic family, located primarily on the northern part of Whidbey Island and near the mouth of the Skagit River. They inhabit several subdivisions, including Hobaks, Batsadsali, and Kikialos, with villages spread across various regions such as Coupeville and Skagit Bay. Historically, the combined population of the Skagit and Swinomish was 268 in 1909, increasing to 285 by 1937.
The Swallah Indians, described by Eells in 1889 and also referred to as Swalash by Mallet, were part of the coastal division of the Salishan linguistic family. They inhabited Orcas Island, San Juan Island, and nearby Waldron Island. Notable villages included Huttatchl on Orcas Island, Klalakamish on San Juan Island, and Lemaltcha and Stashum on Waldron Island.
The Squaxon Indians, also referred to as Squakson, are a group belonging to the Nisqually branch of the Salishan linguistic family. They are located on North Bay, Puget Sound, with villages at the mouth of Coulter Creek and Mason Creek in Allyn. In 1780, their estimated population was around 1,000, but this declined significantly, with only 98 identified in 1909 and 32 in 1937.
The Snoqualmie Indians, deriving their name from the native term sdokwalbiuqu, are part of the Nisqually branch of the Salishan linguistic family. They resided along the Snoqualmie and Skykomish Rivers, with notable villages such as those at Cherry Valley, Fall City, and Staktaledjabsh. By 1857, their population was recorded at 225. The Snoqualmie’s legacy continues today through the names of the Snoqualmie River and the town of Snoqualmie in King County, Washington.
The Snohomish Indians, part of the Nisqually dialectic group within the Salishan linguistic stock, resided along the lower Snohomish River and southern Whidbey Island. Their subdivisions included Sdugwadskabsh, Skwilsidiabsh, and Tukwetlbabsh, spanning various villages. The population experienced a decline from approximately 1,200 in 1780 to 350 by 1850. By 1910, the recorded population was 664. The Snohomish name persists today through the Snohomish River, Snohomish County, and a city bearing their name.
The Skagit Indians, also known as Hum-a-luh, are part of the Salishan linguistic family and traditionally inhabited areas along the Skagit and Stillaguamish Rivers. Their subdivisions include several settlements along these rivers, such as Tcagwalk, Baskadsadsiuk, and Nookachamps. Historical population estimates indicate approximately 1,200 individuals in 1780, declining to 221 by 1923. Today, they are recognized through the Skagit River, Skagit County, and other locations that carry their name, reflecting their enduring legacy in the region.
Sinkaietk Indians
The Senijextee Indians, also known as the Lake Indians, inhabited the Arrow Lakes region and the banks of the Columbia River, extending from Kettle Falls to the Canadian border. They were part of the Salishan linguistic family and had close ties to the Sanpoil tribe. Their population was estimated at 500 in 1780, with 342 recorded on the Colville Reservation in 1909 and 785 in the 1910 census, reflecting their significant presence in the area.
The Semiahmoo Indians, also known as the Birch Bay Indians, were part of the coastal division of the Salishan linguistic stock. They inhabited the region around Semiahmoo Bay in northwest Washington and southwest British Columbia. Their population was approximately 300 in 1843, but it dwindled to 38 by 1909 in British Columbia, with none recorded in the United States. The Semiahmoo name endures in the local geography, notably in Semiahmoo Bay and a township in Whatcom County, Washington.
The Samish Indians, part of the Salishan linguistic family, resided in the coastal regions of Samish Bay, Guemes Island, and the northwest section of Fidalgo Island. Initially, they established villages such as Atseked and Gungunala, but were later relocated to the Lummi Reservation. Historical accounts estimate their population around 1,000 in 1780, but no later figures are available. Geographic features like Samish River and Samish Island continue to honor their legacy.
The Sahehwamish Indians, associated with the Nisqually dialect group of the Salishan linguistic stock, inhabited the innermost inlets of Puget Sound. Their subdivisions included Elosedabsh along Medicine Creek, Sahewabsh at Arcadia, Skwayaithlhabsh on Mud Bay, Statcasabsh at Tumwater, Tapiksdabsh near Oyster Bay, and Tutsetcakl on South Bay. Population estimates suggest 1,200 members in 1780, decreasing to 780 by 1907. The name Sahehwamish likely refers to a specific locality.
The Queets Indians, also known as Quaitso Indians, were part of the Coastal division of the Salishan linguistic family, closely related to the Quinault Indians. They inhabited the Queets River area, with an estimated population of 250 in 1805, according to Lewis and Clark. Earlier estimates in 1780 suggested a combined population of 1,500 with the Quinault, but later assessments indicated much lower numbers, with current estimates around 82. Their legacy endures through the naming of Queets River.
The Puyallup Indians, part of the Nisqually dialectic group within the Salishan linguistic family, reside at the mouth of the Puyallup River and surrounding coastal areas. Their notable villages include Eshaktlabsh, Kalkalak, and Puyallup, among others. The 1937 U.S. Office of Indian Affairs recorded a population of 322 Puyallup individuals. Their legacy endures through various geographical features, including the Puyallup River, an Indian reservation, a glacier, and the town of Puyallup in Pierce County.
The Nooksack Indians, meaning “mountain men,” are part of the coastal division of the Salishan linguistic family and share a dialect with the Squawmish of British Columbia. Located along the Nooksack River in Whatcom County, their population has fluctuated, with official counts showing 200 in 1906 and 239 in 1937, though only a small number were documented in earlier years. The Nooksack name is preserved in the river and the town in Washington.
The Nisqually Indians, associated with the Nisqually River, are also known by various names, including Quallyamish and Askwalli. Their settlements, such as Bashalabsh and Sakwiabsh, are primarily located along the Nisqually and Puyallup Rivers. Historically, their population peaked at about 3,600 in 1780 but declined significantly, with only 62 reported in 1937. Despite their diminished numbers, the Nisqually Indians remain recognized through the naming of the river and the post village in Thurston County.
The Muckleshoot Indians, part of the Nisqually dialectic group within the Salishan linguistic family, historically inhabited the area along the White River, extending to the Green River and surrounding mountains. Their population has fluctuated over the years, with earlier estimates placing them at around 1,200 in 1780 and 780 by 1907. The Muckleshoot name is now associated with the Muckleshoot Indian Reservation, a lasting legacy of their cultural and territorial heritage.
The Lummi Indians, also known as Há-lum-mi or Nuh-lummi, are part of the coastal division of the Salishan linguistic family and spoke a dialect similar to the Songish of Vancouver Island. Historically located near Bellingham Bay and the Nooksack River, they established various villages and fishing stations in the region. Their population, estimated at around 1,000 in 1780, fluctuated over the years, with recorded numbers showing 412 in 1905 and 661 in 1937. The Lummi River in Washington carries their name today.
The Kwaiailk Indians, also known as Kwû-teh-ni or Stak-ta-mish, were part of the Salishan linguistic family and primarily resided along the upper Chehalis River, with notable villages such as Cloquallum. Their population was estimated at 216 in 1855, as reported by Gibbs, but they faced amalgamation with the Cowlitz tribe. This tribe’s connections highlight both their coastal origins and some inland linguistic influences, with neighboring tribes like the Chehalis and Cowlitz being their closest relatives.
The Hoh Indians, linked linguistically to the Quileute and part of the Chimakuan family, inhabited the Hoh River area on Washington’s west coast. In 1780, their population, along with the Quileute, was estimated at 500, but by 1905, it had dwindled to 62. The Hoh name endures through the Hoh River, although their significance remains largely unknown.