The Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation represent a unique and complex tapestry of indigenous cultures woven together by historical circumstance and a shared destiny. This federally recognized tribe in Washington state is not a single entity, but rather a confederation of twelve distinct bands or tribes, each with its own rich heritage, language, and traditions that predate the reservation era. Understanding the Colville Tribes requires acknowledging the individual histories and identities of these constituent groups, as well as the forces that led to their confederation.
Before the establishment of the Colville Reservation, each of these twelve tribes functioned as autonomous entities, intricately connected to the land and its resources. Their territories spanned a vast area of the Columbia River Plateau, an ecological and cultural region characterized by its diverse landscapes and shared cultural traits among its indigenous inhabitants. These tribes possessed intricate social structures, sophisticated resource management practices, and deeply rooted spiritual beliefs that were intimately tied to the natural world.
Among the twelve tribes, the Nez Perce are perhaps the most widely known in the broader narrative of Pacific Northwest history. The story of Chief Joseph and his band of Nez Perce is a particularly poignant chapter in the history of Native American resistance and forced removal. In 1877, following a series of conflicts and broken treaties, Chief Joseph led his people on a remarkable 1,170-mile retreat toward the Canadian border, seeking refuge from the encroaching U.S. Army. Despite their valiant efforts, they were ultimately forced to surrender just 40 miles from their destination. Chief Joseph’s band was subsequently exiled to Oklahoma before eventually being relocated to the Colville Reservation. Today, they are an integral part of the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation, their history and resilience forever etched into the collective memory of the confederation. It’s important to note that other bands of the Nez Perce were primarily assigned to the Nez Perce Reservation in Idaho, where they continue to be recognized by the U.S. Government as a separate tribe. A small number of Nez Perce individuals also reside within the Coeur d’Alene Tribe.
The other eleven tribes that comprise the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation are:
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Colville Indians: The namesake tribe of the confederation, the Colville people traditionally inhabited the lands along the Columbia River and its tributaries. They were skilled fishermen, hunters, and gatherers, relying on the river’s abundant salmon runs and the diverse resources of the surrounding forests and mountains.
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Wenatchee (Wenatchi) Indians: The Wenatchi people resided in the Wenatchee River Valley, known for its fertile lands and abundant fruit trees. They were adept horticulturists, cultivating a variety of crops and managing the natural resources of their territory.
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Nespelem Indians: The Nespelem people lived along the Nespelem River, a tributary of the Columbia. They were known for their skilled craftsmanship, producing intricate baskets, clothing, and other utilitarian and ceremonial objects.
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Moses-Columbia (Sinkiuse-Columbia) Indians: This group, also known as the Sinkiuse-Columbia, occupied the lands along the Columbia River near the confluence of the Moses Coulee. They were renowned for their horsemanship and their role in facilitating trade and communication between different tribes in the region.
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Methow Indians: The Methow people inhabited the Methow Valley, a picturesque region known for its stunning mountain scenery and abundant wildlife. They were skilled hunters and trappers, relying on the resources of the high-altitude environment.
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Okanogan Indians: The Okanogan people lived along the Okanogan River, extending into present-day British Columbia, Canada. They were known for their extensive trade networks, connecting tribes from the interior plateau to the coastal regions.
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San Poil Indians: The San Poil people resided along the Sanpoil River, a tributary of the Columbia. They were skilled fishermen and hunters, and their territory was rich in natural resources.
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Entiat Indians: The Entiat people inhabited the Entiat River Valley, known for its mild climate and abundant fruit trees. They were adept at cultivating crops and managing the resources of their territory.
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Chelan Indians: The Chelan people lived along Lake Chelan, a long, narrow lake nestled in the Cascade Mountains. They were skilled boat builders and fishermen, relying on the lake’s abundant fish populations.
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Lake (Sinixt) Tribes: Also known as the Sinixt or Lakes people, this group traditionally inhabited the area around the Arrow Lakes and the Columbia River in southeastern British Columbia and northeastern Washington. Their traditional territory extended far beyond the present-day Colville Reservation.
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Palus Indians: The Palus people lived along the Palouse River.
The formation of the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation was a direct consequence of U.S. government policies aimed at consolidating and controlling Native American populations. In 1872, President Ulysses S. Grant issued an executive order establishing the Colville Reservation, encompassing a vast territory in north-central Washington. The intention was to relocate various tribes and bands to this single location, ostensibly to provide them with a protected homeland and resources. However, the reality was far more complex and often detrimental to the tribes’ cultural integrity and self-determination.
The process of forcing these diverse tribes onto a single reservation was fraught with challenges. Each tribe had its own distinct language, customs, and social structures. The close proximity and imposed governance led to both cooperation and conflict, as the tribes navigated the complexities of sharing resources, resolving disputes, and adapting to a new way of life under the supervision of the U.S. government.
Over time, the tribes gradually forged a sense of unity and common purpose. They recognized the need to work together to protect their collective interests, preserve their cultural heritage, and advocate for their rights. This led to the formal establishment of the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation, a unified political entity that represents all twelve constituent tribes.
Today, the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation is a sovereign nation with its own government, laws, and institutions. The tribal headquarters are located in Nespelem, Washington. The Colville Business Council, composed of 14 elected members, serves as the governing body of the tribes. The council is responsible for overseeing all aspects of tribal government, including economic development, education, healthcare, and natural resource management. Elections are staggered, with seven council positions filled each year for a two-year term, ensuring continuity and responsiveness to the needs of the tribal members.
The official tribal website, http://www.colvilletribes.com/, provides a wealth of information about the tribes’ history, culture, government, and current initiatives. The tribes also publish a newspaper, the Colville Tribal Tribune, which serves as a vital source of news and information for the tribal community.
The Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation face numerous challenges in the 21st century, including issues related to economic development, environmental protection, and the preservation of their cultural heritage. The tribes are actively working to address these challenges through a variety of initiatives, including promoting sustainable economic development, protecting their treaty rights, and revitalizing their native languages and cultural traditions.
The Colville Reservation encompasses a significant land area, offering opportunities for resource management, recreation, and cultural preservation. The tribes are committed to responsible stewardship of their land and resources, ensuring that they are available for future generations.
In common conversation, the full official name, Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation, is often shortened to simply "the Colville Tribe," a collective term encompassing all twelve tribes residing on the reservation. This shorthand, while convenient, should not obscure the fact that the Colville Tribes are a diverse and complex confederation of distinct cultural entities.
The history of the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation is a testament to the resilience, adaptability, and enduring spirit of the indigenous peoples of the Columbia River Plateau. Despite the challenges they have faced, the tribes have persevered in their efforts to preserve their cultural heritage, protect their sovereignty, and build a better future for their people. Their story is an important reminder of the rich and diverse history of Native Americans in the United States and the ongoing struggle for justice, equality, and self-determination.