On September 4, 1805, in the Bitterroot Valley of what is now western Montana, more than four hundred Salish people were encamped, preparing for the fall bison hunt and harvesting chokecherries as they had done for countless generations. Then scouts spotted the approaching Lewis and Clark Expedition―for most Salish, the first non-Indians ever seen. Once the chiefs decided the group posed no threat, the camp welcomed them with traditional hospitality, providing food, supplies, and horses.
For the first time, an Indigenous community offers an in-depth examination of the events and historical significance of its encounter with the expedition. In this deeply researched, richly illustrated book, Salish elders recount in detail what their ancestors' told about the meeting. But the book also provides a powerful portrait of the tribal world the expedition was traversing, including a tour of the ancient Salish place-names scattered along trails followed by the visitors.
This book is a startling departure from previous accounts of Lewis and Clark. Rather than looking at Indigenous people within the context of the expedition, it examines the expedition within the context of tribal history. The elders help us understand the arrival of non-Indians as not the beginning of Montana's history, but as a very recent chapter in a far longer Indigenous narrative.
The Salish People and the Lewis and Clark Expedition sheds new light on the meaning of the expedition―and illuminates the people who greeted them and, despite much of what followed, thrive in their homeland today.
“[A] remarkable and beautifully produced book. . . . It flips the standard lens of history to portray a critical American historical event from the perspective of the Salish people of western Montana. . . . Perhaps the most important reason the authors were able to write such a compelling narrative is the three decades of cultural preservation work, including extensive interviews with tribal elders that have been recorded and stored in the tribal community. This truly beautiful book is a community-based project.”—David R.M. Beck, Oregon Historical Quarterly (David R.M. Beck Oregon Historical Quarterly)
“With this book of sacred texts, legends, and narratives presented with significant scholarly attention and consideration, the Salish people proudly take their place at the academic table. We are treated to an exceptional journey into oralcy and oral history, manifesting a truly unique Native perspective and epistemology.”—Jay Hansford C. Vest, American Indian Quarterly (Jay Hansford C. Vest American Indian Quarterly 2011-04-06)
“From Elders to authors to publishers, all stress a similar theme—the book finally gives American Indians a chance to tell their own story.”—Peter Bulger, The Missoulian (Peter Bulger The Missoulian)
“The indigenous peoples of the United States have the benefit of a recent view of history. The tradition of oral history is also of great worth. ‘The Salish People’ preserves the viewpoint of the conquered. It also highlights the fact that all Montana’s tribes are at a crossroads. I give this book a thumbs up.”—Billings Outpost (Billings Outpost)
“It may provoke some fans of Jefferson and/or the Lewis and Clark expedition to echo the question sometimes attributed to General Custer and Little Big Horn: ‘Where did all these Indians come from?’”—John Goodspeed, The Star-Democrat (John Goodspeed The Star-Democrat)
“[An] informative volume compiled by elders of the affiliated Salish, Pend d’Oreille, and Kootenai tribes. The book is richly illustrated with contemporary and historical art and photography.”—We Proceeded On (We Proceeded On)
“A beautifully illustrated book built upon the foundation of tribal oral tradition.”—Journal of the West (Journal of the West)
“A refreshing account of the meeting between the Salish and expedition members.”—South Dakota History (South Dakota History)
