- Methow people
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Methow 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
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- For other uses, see Methow.
The Methow (pronounced /ˈmɛt.haʊ/ met-how), a Native American tribe historically lived along the Methow River, a tributary of the Columbia River in northern Washington. The tribe's name for the river was Buttlemuleemauch, meaning "salmon falls river".[1] The river's English name is taken from that of the tribe. The name "Methow" comes from the Okanagan placename /mətxʷú/, meaning "sunflower (seeds)".
According to Chelan legend, the beaver's heart, taken across the mountains, became the Methow tribe.[2]
In 1780, there were approximately 800 Methow and Sinkiuse-Columbia Native Americans, but by 1907, the number had dropped to 324.
Today, the Methow live primarily on the Colville Indian Reservation in Washington, where they form part of the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation, which is recognized by the United States government as an American Indian Tribe.
The Methow now speak English. Their endangered language, known as Colville-Okanagan, spoken only by older adults, is a part of the Southern Interior Salish linguistic branch.[3]
Notes
- ^ Phillips, James W. (1971). Washington State Place Names. University of Washington Press. ISBN 0-295-95158-3.
- ^ "Creation of the First Indians". meta-religion.com. http://www.meta-religion.com/World_Religions/Ancient_religions/North_america/creations_of_first_indians.htm. Retrieved 2007-10-10.
- ^ "Washington Indian Tribes". accessgenealogy.com. http://www.accessgenealogy.com/native/washington/. Retrieved 2007-10-10.
Categories:- Native American tribes in Washington (state)
- Interior Salish
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