PLATEAU PEOPLE

Lived East of Cascades and West of the Rocky Mountains Land and climate shaped lifestyle Cold snowy winters Hot dry summers Seasonal moves Changes in clothing and shelter Columbia River Major transportation route Most important food source

PLATEAU PEOPLE Two Groups Divided into two groups North Plateau spoke Salish Spokane, Kalispel, Coeur d’Alene, Colville, etc. South Plateau spoke another Nez Perce, Yakama, Palouse, Klickitat, etc. Influenced by both coastal and Plains Indians Parts of Potlatch (Coastal) Teepee (Plains) Semi-Nomadic Winter Villages Summer months in Teepees

PLATEAU PEOPLE Pit Houses Permanent homes used on Eastern edge of Cascades Enough people (20) = 1 day build Steps Large circle made (bark rope) Circle dug, dirt removed by baskets Green timber used as poles for roof support Braces for roof put into ground Hole left on top of roof Grass mats, dirt, pine needles = roof Top hole was “doorway.” ladder used Fires on stone slab in center of Pit house

PLATEAU PEOPLE Seasonal Round Nomads Spring and summer Women and Children dug Camas bulbs Late summer Moved to Mountains (women/children) Huckleberries, etc. Fishing sites (Men) Men caught Salmon Women cleaned and prepared Dalles and Kettle Falls inter-tribal Traded Socialized

PLATEAU PEOPLE Fall Hunting (men) “Surround” a favorite method No route for escape Winter Back to main camp Fix/make tools, clothing, etc. Celebrations Story telling Hunting close to village If Camas cakes, dried food, etc. ran out…starvation

PLATEAU PEOPLE Gender Roles and Equality Strict system of gender roles Men’s work Hunted/fished Made tools/weapons Built houses Went to war (if necessary) Women’s work Gathered roots/berries Dried meat Prepared skins Made clothing Cared for kids

PLATEAU PEOPLE Much equality Women held high status Women free to reject suitor Spokane women could propose In family, women ruled the house Once food in house, it was property of the woman Husband needed permission to eat ANYTHING!

PLATEAU PEOPLE Material Culture and Art Most time spent obtaining food Little time for artistic pursuits Practical items Mats Baskets Cradle boards Beadwork Clothing canoes

PLATEAU PEOPLE Religion Creator = “Old Chief,” the “Ancient One,” or “Father Mystery” Young people went on vision quest To find guardian spirit Preparation started between 5 and 10 years old (boys), 7-10 girls Elders supervised Told what to do and expect Young adults went off alone and fasted Sang and prayed for visitation of spirit Spirit might be bear, beaver, sun, moon, deer, etc. Guardian spirit helped person throughout their life

PLATEAU PEOPLE Spirit power central religious belief All events (significant or unusual) explained this way Those with greatest spirit power became Shamans (medicine men) Most important power was healing sick Smallpox/measles Shamans couldn’t heal Many died Many leaders turned to white men Rich material culture must mean great spirit power

PLATEAU PEOPLE THE END