Klickitat facts for kids

The Klickitat (also spelled Klikitat) are a Native American tribe from the Pacific Northwest region of North America. They are part of the Sahaptian language family. Their language is very similar to the one spoken by their neighbors to the east, the Yakama tribe. To their west lived the Salishan and Chinookan tribes. The Klickitat tribe's name has been used for several places, including Klickitat County in Washington, the town of Klickitat, Washington, and the Klickitat River, which flows into the mighty Columbia River.

Who Are the Klickitat?

The Klickitat people have a rich history and culture. They are known for their strong connection to the land and rivers. Their traditional homeland was in what is now south-central Washington State. This area includes parts of the Columbia River Gorge.

Their Traditional Homeland

The Klickitat lived in a diverse landscape. This included forests, mountains, and river valleys. The Columbia River was a very important part of their lives. It provided food, water, and a way to travel. They also used the river for trade with other tribes.

Daily Life and Culture

The Klickitat people were skilled at living off the land. They adapted to the changing seasons. Their daily lives revolved around hunting, fishing, and gathering.

Food and Resources

• Salmon: Fishing for salmon was a huge part of Klickitat life. Salmon were caught in the Columbia River and its smaller streams. They were a main source of food.
• Hunting: They hunted deer, elk, and other animals in the forests. These animals provided meat, hides for clothing, and bones for tools.
• Gathering: Women gathered many types of plants. These included berries, roots, and nuts. These plants were important for food and medicine.

Homes and Villages

The Klickitat lived in different types of homes. This depended on the season.

• During warmer months, they often lived in temporary shelters. These were made from mats and poles. They could be moved easily.
• In winter, they built more permanent homes. These were often longhouses made from wood. They provided shelter from the cold.

Trade and Travel

The Klickitat were well-known traders. They traveled across the region. They traded goods between coastal tribes and tribes living further inland.

• They traded items like dried salmon, furs, and baskets.
• In return, they received shells, canoes, and other goods.
• Their trading routes helped connect many different Native American groups.

Klickitat History

The Klickitat people have a long and interesting history. They lived in the Pacific Northwest for thousands of years. They had strong relationships with neighboring tribes.

Early Interactions

The Klickitat often interacted with the Yakama and other Sahaptian-speaking tribes. They shared similar languages and customs. They also had contact with coastal tribes. These interactions often involved trade and cultural exchange.

Contact with Europeans

In the early 1800s, European explorers and settlers began to arrive. This brought many changes to the Klickitat way of life. The Klickitat adapted to these new challenges. They continued to maintain their cultural identity.

The Klickitat Today

Today, the descendants of the Klickitat tribe are part of the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation. They continue to honor their heritage. They work to preserve their language, traditions, and history.

• They participate in cultural events.
• They teach their children about their ancestors.
• They work to protect their ancestral lands and resources.