Salish refers to a large group of indigenous peoples native to the Pacific Northwest region of North America. It encompasses a diverse range of First Nations, including the Coast Salish, Interior Salish, and Salishan-speaking tribes. The term "Salish" also refers to their language family, known as Salishan.
The Salish peoples have a rich cultural heritage and are renowned for their art, oral traditions, and intricate craftsmanship. They historically thrived in a resource-rich environment, with strong ties to the land and waterways that supported their communities. Fishing, hunting, gathering, and trading played integral roles in their subsistence and economic systems.
The Salish language family consists of numerous dialects that vary across different tribes and regions. Although some dialects have become endangered or lost over time, many efforts are being made today to revitalize and preserve Salish languages as an essential part of the Salish peoples' cultural identity.
In recent years, the Salish peoples have experienced significant cultural revitalization, reclaiming their traditional practices, ceremonies, and knowledge systems. They continue to engage in contemporary art, activism, and community-building efforts to ensure the preservation and revitalization of their cultural heritage.
The term "Salish" also commonly refers to the Salish Sea, a body of water encompassing the coastal areas of northwestern Washington state and southwestern British Columbia, named after the Salish peoples who have inhabited the region for thousands of years.
