a group of North American Indian tribes speaking related languages. Before the Europeans came to America, the Salish lived in what is now Oregon, Washington, Montana, Idaho, and southern British Columbia. Those along the coast engaged in fishing and hunted various marine animals, whereas those in the inland regions fished in rivers and streams and hunted game. The Salish tribes were divided into exogamous clans. Descent and inheritance were reckoned according to the father’s line. Patriarchal slavery, the potlatch custom, and secret religious societies existed among the Salish and a cult of personal guardian spirits was practiced.
Most of their lands having been seized by settlers, the Salish have lived since 1855 on reservations within the areas they formerly inhabited. Their population numbers approximately 40,000 (1970, estimate). They work for hire in the fishing and lumber industries and as hired laborers in agriculture; some engage in fishing.