Methow people facts for kids
| 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 (pronounced MET-how) are a Native American tribe. They traditionally lived along the Methow River in northern Washington. This river is a smaller stream that flows into the larger Columbia River. The English name for the river, "Methow," comes directly from the tribe's name.
Today, most Methow people live on the Colville Indian Reservation in Washington. They are part of a larger group called the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation. This group is officially recognized by the United States government as an American Indian Tribe.
Who Are the Methow People?
The Methow people are an important part of Native American history in the Pacific Northwest. Their name, "Methow," comes from the Okanagan word /mətxʷú/. This word means "sunflower seeds." The tribe had their own name for the Methow River. They called it Buttlemuleemauch, which means "salmon falls river." This name shows how important salmon were to their way of life.
A Look at Their History
The Methow tribe was not very large in terms of population. In 1780, it is thought that about 800 Methow people lived in the area. By 1870, this number had decreased to around 300 people. These numbers give us an idea of the size of their community long ago.
Their Language Today
Most Methow people speak English now. However, their traditional language is called Colville-Okanagan. This language is part of the Southern Interior Salish language family. Unfortunately, the Colville-Okanagan language is endangered. This means only a few older adults still speak it. Efforts are often made to help keep these important languages alive for future generations.
