mooney] TRIBES OF THE COLUMBIA 733 



name of the middle band. They are closely connected, linguistically 

 and politically, with the Sanpoil and Nespelini. The lower Spokan 

 are now Protestants, the rest are Catholics. They formerly owned tin- 

 whole basin of Spokane river in Washington and extending into Idaho. 

 They are now on Spokane reservation in Washington and the Coeur 

 d'Alene reservation in Idaho, and number in all about '.Mill or 1,00(1. 



Cceur d'Alene (Salishan stock). — Synonyms: Pointed Hearts, 

 Q'ma'shpal or "kamas people" (so called by the Yakima), Skeechaway, 

 Skeetsomish (Lewis and Clark), Skitsamiiq (Piilus name), Skitswish, 

 Stietshoi. They occupied the lake and river bearing their name in 

 Idaho and the adjacent headwaters of the Spokane. A part of this 

 territory they held jointly with the Spokan, whose language they speak. 

 In 1892 they numbered 427, on Coeur d'Alene reservation in Idaho. 



Sanpoil, (Salishan stock). — Synonyms: Hai-ai'mma (Yakima name), 

 Hihighenimmo (Lewis and Clark), Ipoilq (another Yakima name), 

 N'pochle (Stevens), Sans Pnelles, Sinapoils, Sinipouals, Sinpaivelish, 

 Sinpohellecliach, Sinpoilschne, Siur Poils. The name by which this 

 tribe is commonly known is sometimes written as a French form Sans 

 Poils, meaning "without bristles," or -hairless," but it is more prob- 

 ably an Indian word. They occupy the country on Sanpoil river in 

 Washington, now included within Colville reservation, and are closely 

 allied with the Nespelini. These two tribes are the most aboriginal in 

 eastern Washington, and adhere strictly to their primitive customs and 

 religion. The two tribes are thus described by Winans, the govern- 

 ment farmer, in 1870: 



They have never received any presents from the government, although they have 

 heen frequently asked to do so. They seem suspicious of the whites, are the least 

 civilized and most independent of any of the tribes of the territory. They are rich 

 in horses ami cattle, possessing all the comforts they know how to enjoy, and it 

 appears their only fear is that they will be interfered with by the government. 

 They are perfectly contented with their condition, and would not accept anything 

 from the government if offered, except a religious instructor and doctor. 



Some years later they were brought under the reservation system 

 and a change came o*er the spirit of their dream. In 1802 we are told 

 officially that "the Sanpuell Indians are the worst people that I have 

 anything to do with. . . . They are surly, ignorant, and filthy," 

 notwithstanding which they still "have the same religious prejudice 

 as the Nespelims about receiving aid from the government." Of the 

 Xespelimthe same intelligent witness tells us that "they are a peculiar 

 class of Indians, having a religion of their own." The religion of the 

 two tribes is aboriginal, and is similar to theSmohalla doctrine in prin- 

 ciple, although not in ceremonial. In 1892 the Sanpoil were estimated 

 at 30o. 



Nespelim (Salishan stock). — Synonyms: Inspellum,Sinspeelish. On 

 the north bank of the Columbia, in Washington, along Nespelini river 

 and down to the junction of the Okinagau, and on the opposite side of 



