Skinpah facts for kids
| Languages | |
|---|---|
| Sahaptin | |
| Related ethnic groups | |
| Yakama people, other Sahaptin peoples |
The Skinpah were a Native American group who lived along the Columbia River in what is now south-central Washington. They were also known by names like Skeen, Skin, or Shutes.
Who Were the Skinpah People?
The Skinpah were part of the larger Sahaptin-speaking peoples. They lived on the northern side of the Columbia River. Their main village, called Sk'in, was located right across the river from a famous fishing spot called Celilo Falls. This village was also very close to the Wishram people.
Early Records of the Skinpah
The first time the Skinpah were written about was in 1805. This was by the famous explorers Lewis and Clark. They called the Skinpah people the "Eneeshurs." Later, in 1847, a painter named Paul Kane created a painting. It was titled Mancemuckt, Chief of the Skeen, which was the first time the name "Skeen" was used.
What Happened to the Skinpah?
In 1855, the Skinpah leaders signed an important agreement called the Yakama Treaty of 1855. This treaty was between several Native American groups and the United States government. Because of this treaty, the Skinpah people moved to the Yakama Reservation.
After moving to the reservation, the Skinpah became part of the larger Yakama Nation. Today, they are no longer seen as a separate tribal group. Their history and culture are now part of the rich heritage of the Yakama people.
