Skagit peoples facts for kids

The Skagit people are two groups of Native Americans who live in the state of Washington, USA. They are known as the Upper Skagit and the Lower Skagit. Their name means "People Who Hide" or "People Who Run and Hide Upriver."

Who Are the Skagit People?

The Skagit are a part of the larger Lushootseed-speaking Native American groups. These groups have lived in the Pacific Northwest region for thousands of years. The Skagit people have a rich history and culture tied to the land and rivers of Washington.

What Language Do They Speak?

The Skagit people speak a language also called Skagit. It is sometimes known as Swinomish. This language is a type of Lushootseed language. Lushootseed is part of the larger Salishan language family. In 1977, it was estimated that about 100 people still spoke the Skagit language. Efforts are often made to keep these important languages alive.

Where Can You Find Their Name?

The Skagit people have given their name to several important places in Washington. The Skagit River, a major river in the state, is named after them. So is Skagit Bay, a part of Puget Sound. Even Skagit County, a large area in Washington, carries their name. This shows how important the Skagit people are to the history and geography of the region.