The Coeur D’Alene Tribe, a vibrant and resilient people, are a Salish-speaking group deeply rooted in the landscape of Northern Idaho. Their story is one of connection to the land, rich cultural traditions, and a steadfast commitment to preserving their heritage in the face of profound change. This article will delve into the history, culture, and contemporary life of the Schitsu’umsh, the name by which they have always known themselves, meaning "Those who were found here" or "The discovered people."
Identity and Nomenclature
The official name of the tribe is the Coeur D’Alene Tribe. The term "Coeur d’Alene" itself, a French phrase meaning "heart of the awl," was bestowed upon them by early French fur traders. This moniker was not arbitrary; it was a testament to the tribe’s renowned skill and shrewdness as traders. The French recognized the Coeur d’Alene people’s exceptional ability to negotiate and secure favorable deals, qualities that made them formidable partners in the burgeoning fur trade of the 18th and 19th centuries. It speaks volumes about their acumen that this external descriptor has endured through the centuries, becoming synonymous with their identity in the wider world.
Location and Territory
The Coeur D’Alene Tribe calls the Plateau region home, specifically the state of Idaho. Historically, their territory, reverently referred to as "where the old ones walked," encompassed a vast expanse of nearly 5,000,000 acres. This included not only Northern Idaho but also portions of eastern Washington and western Montana. Within this territory, the Schitsu’umsh established numerous permanent villages along the shores of major waterways like the Coeur d’Alene, St. Joe, Clark Fork, and Spokane Rivers, as well as the pristine waters of Lake Coeur d’Alene, Lake Pend Oreille, and Hayden Lake. Each village possessed its own distinct name in the ancestral language, reflecting the unique character and identity of its inhabitants.
The current Coeur d’Alene Reservation, while a fraction of their ancestral lands, remains a vital center of tribal life and governance. Located near the town of Plummer, Idaho, the reservation comprises 69,299 acres. Sadly, due to the historical impacts of the Dawes Act, a significant portion of this land has passed into non-Indian ownership, with less than 10% remaining in individual or tribal trust. The tribal headquarters is located in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, and operates within the Pacific Time Zone.
Governance and Membership
The Coeur d’Alene Tribe operates under a constitution established after the Wheeler-Howard Act, featuring a general council form of government. This framework allows for community participation in decision-making processes, ensuring that the tribe’s leadership remains responsive to the needs and aspirations of its members. The tribe is a federally recognized entity, holding a government-to-government relationship with the United States.
As of today, the registered population of the Coeur D’Alene Tribe stands at 1,216 enrolled members. Tribal enrollment requirements help to maintain the integrity of tribal membership and preserve the unique cultural heritage of the Schitsu’umsh people.
Language and Cultural Heritage
The Coeur d’Alene language, a member of the Salish language family, is a cornerstone of their cultural identity. While the number of fluent speakers has dwindled over time due to the pressures of assimilation, the tribe is actively engaged in language revitalization efforts. These initiatives include language classes, immersion programs, and the creation of language resources such as dictionaries and audio recordings. By nurturing the language, the Coeur d’Alene Tribe seeks to transmit traditional knowledge, stories, and cultural values to future generations.
Subsistence and Economy
Traditionally, the Coeur d’Alene people sustained themselves through a diversified economy of hunting, fishing, and gathering. Their intimate knowledge of the natural world allowed them to thrive in the diverse ecosystems of their territory. They fished in the abundant rivers and lakes, hunted game in the forests and mountains, and gathered a variety of plants, roots, and berries. Their villages were strategically located near these resources, ensuring a reliable food supply throughout the year. While not nomadic, young men would occasionally journey east to hunt buffalo on the Plains after the introduction of horses, these were more of an adventure and rite of passage than a necessity.
Today, the Coeur D’Alene Tribe has diversified its economy to include forest products, tourism, and mining. The tribe owns and operates several successful businesses, including the Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort Hotel, which provides employment opportunities and generates revenue for tribal programs. The resort offers a range of amenities, including gaming, dining, a golf course, and a spa. The tribe also extracts abrasive garnets in Benewah County and silver, gold, copper, lead, and sand and gravel in Kootenai County.
Healthcare and Community Services
The Coeur D’Alene Tribe is committed to providing comprehensive healthcare services to its members and the surrounding community. The Benewah Medical Center, a state-of-the-art outpatient facility, offers a wide range of medical, dental, and mental health services. The clinic employs a dedicated team of healthcare professionals, including physicians, nurses, dentists, and therapists. The tribe also operates a variety of community health programs, including substance abuse treatment, youth services, and elder care.
Beyond healthcare, the tribe provides a wide array of services to support the well-being of its members. These include education programs, housing assistance, and cultural preservation initiatives. The tribe’s commitment to education is reflected in its support for tribal schools and scholarship programs, which empower young people to pursue their academic and career goals.
Arts, Culture, and Spirituality
The Coeur d’Alene Tribe has a rich artistic and cultural heritage, expressed through a variety of forms, including storytelling, music, dance, and traditional crafts. Oral traditions play a vital role in transmitting history, legends, and cultural values. Music and dance are integral to ceremonies and celebrations, connecting the community to its ancestors and the natural world. Traditional crafts, such as basketry, beadwork, and carving, showcase the tribe’s artistic skill and deep connection to the land.
Spiritual beliefs are deeply intertwined with the natural world. The Coeur D’Alene Tribe has a profound respect for the land, water, and all living things. Traditional ceremonies and practices are conducted to maintain balance and harmony within the community and with the environment.
People of Note
The Coeur D’Alene Tribe has produced many individuals who have made significant contributions in various fields. Sherman Alexie, of Spokane-Coeur d’Alene descent, is a celebrated author and filmmaker whose work explores the experiences of Native Americans in contemporary society. Mildred Bailey, a renowned jazz singer, brought the music of the Coeur d’Alene people to a wider audience. Janet Campbell Hale is a respected writer whose works address themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Paulette Jordan, a member of the Idaho House of Representatives, is a political leader who advocates for the rights and interests of Native Americans.
History and Resilience
The history of the Coeur D’Alene Tribe is one of resilience and adaptation in the face of profound challenges. The arrival of European settlers brought disease, displacement, and cultural disruption. Despite these hardships, the Coeur d’Alene people have persevered, maintaining their cultural identity and fighting for their rights. They have actively worked to protect their treaty rights, reclaim their ancestral lands, and revitalize their language and culture.
The Coeur d’Alene Tribe stands as a testament to the enduring strength and resilience of Native American peoples. Their story is a reminder of the importance of preserving cultural heritage, protecting treaty rights, and promoting self-determination. As they navigate the challenges of the 21st century, the Coeur d’Alene people remain committed to building a brighter future for themselves and future generations.