Native Nations in Idaho

The current land bases for the five federally recognized Native Nations in Idaho are shown in this map. These lands are just a small fraction of the original territories that each of these Native Nations once lived in and on, as indicated in the maps provided for each Nation below.

Each of the five federally recognized Native Nations in Idaho has a unique history, culture, and language. Provided below are snapshots of each of these Native Nations, including their endonym, their name for themselves, their exonym, a name assigned by outsiders, and some very brief information about their Tribe(s). For more information on each Native Nation, please visit their official government websites.

Coeur d’Alene Tribe’s Ancestral Lands. Coeur d’Alene Tribes.

Schitsu’umsh

‘Those who were found here’

 

Exonym: Coeur d’Alene

Language Family:  Salishan

The Coeur d’Alene Tribe is the largest employer in north Idaho.  The Tribe has over 2,500 citizens and a government structure consisting of three branches, including an judicial branch, a legislative council, and an executive, who also serves as council chairman. Learn more about the Coeur d’Alene Tribe!

 

Ktunaxa traditional territory map. Ktunaxa Nation. Ktunaxa.org

Ktunaxa

‘Licks the blood’

 

 

Exonym: Kootenai

Language Family: Isolate

The Kootenai Tribe of Idaho is the largest employer in Boundary county and plays a significant role in maintaining the only U.S. native source of Burbot, a freshwater cod. The Tribe has 168 citizens. Learn more about the Kootenai Tribe of Idaho!

Nimiipuu original territories ceded to U.S. government (light green) compared to the current reservation boundaries (dark green). Image Source: Columbia River Intertribal Fish Commission. Nez Perce Tribe.

Nimiipuu

‘The People’

 

Exonym: Nez Perce (‘pierced nose’)

Language Family: Sahaptian

The Nez Perce Tribe currently has over 3,500 citizens and a government consisting of an executive committee and general council. The tribe is responsible for bringing coho salmon back from near extinction through its extensive Salmon hatcheries program. Learn more about the Nez Perce Tribe!

Shoshone and Bannock original territories. Image Source: Nativeland.ca

Newe

‘The people’

 

Exonym: Shoshone-Bannock Tribes

Language Family: Uto-Aztecan

The Shoshone-Bannock Tribes consists of two distinct groups of people: The Shoshones and the Bannocks, each with their own languages. The Shoshone-Bannock Tribes have over 6,000 citizens and a government run by the Fort Hall Business Council. The Tribes are the fourth largest employer in southeastern Idaho. Learn more about the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes!

Paiute traditional territories. Image Source: Nativeland.ca

Newe-Numa

‘The people’

 

Exonym: Shoshone-Paiute

Language Family: Uto-Aztecan

Located on the Duck Valley reservation spanning the Idaho and Nevado borders, The Shoshone-Paiute Tribes have approximately 2,300 citizens and a government run by council. They contribute to the local economy by guiding elk hunts and running trout fisheries. Learn more about the Sho-Pai Tribes!

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Planning Collaborative Research with Native American Communities Copyright © by Tribal University Advisory Board Research and Cultural Preservation Subcommittee. All Rights Reserved.