Methow people
Regions with significant populations | |
---|---|
United States (Washington) | |
Languages | |
English, Salishan, Interior Salish | |
Related ethnic groups | |
Colville, Sanpoil, Nespelem, Palus, Wenatchi, Entiat, Sinixt, Southern Okanagan, Sinkiuse-Columbia, and the Nez Perce of Chief Joseph's band |
The Methow (/ˈmɛt.haʊ/ MET-how) were a Native American tribe that lived along the Methow River, a tributary of the Columbia River in northern Washington. The tribe's name for the river was Buttlemuleemauch, meaning "salmon falls river".[1] The river's English name is taken from that of the tribe. The name "Methow" comes from the Okanagan placename /mətxʷú/, meaning "sunflower (seeds)".
Today, the Methow live primarily on the Colville Indian Reservation in Washington, where they form part of the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation, which is recognized by the United States government as an American Indian Tribe.
The Methow now speak English. Their endangered language, known as Colville-Okanagan, spoken only by older adults, is a part of the Southern Interior Salish linguistic branch.[2]
Notes
- ↑ Phillips, James W. (1971). Washington State Place Names. University of Washington Press. ISBN 0-295-95158-3.
- ↑ "Washington Indian Tribes". accessgenealogy.com. Retrieved 2007-10-10.