Methow (tribe)

ethnic group
group=Methow


poptime=
popplace=flagcountry|United States (Washington)
rels=
langs=English, Salishan, Interior Salish
related=Colville, Sanpoil, Nespelem, Palus, Wenatchi, Entiat, Sinixt, Southern Okanagan, Sinkiuse-Columbia, and the Nez Perce of Chief Joseph's Band peoples ::"For other uses, see Methow".The Methow (pronounced like "met-tau"), 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". [cite book |last= Phillips |first= James W. |title= Washington State Place Names |year= 1971 |publisher= University of Washington Press |isbn= 0-295-95158-3] The river was named after the tribe.

According to Chelan legend, the beaver's heart, taken across the mountains, became the Methow tribe. [cite web |url=http://www.meta-religion.com/World_Religions/Ancient_religions/North_america/creations_of_first_indians.htm |title=Creation of the First Indians |accessdate=2007-10-10 |work=meta-religion.com]

In 1780, there were approximately 800 Methow and Columbia-Moses 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 dialect, spoken only by older adults, is a part of the Southern Interior Salish linguistic branch. [cite web |url=http://www.accessgenealogy.com/native/washington/ |title=Washington Indian Tribes |accessdate=2007-10-10 |work=accessgenealogy.com]

Notes