Native Peoples of the Plateau

When explorers and traders moved west across the United States in the 1800s, they found many nations of American Indians already living in the Plateau region near the Columbia River. These nations had their own languages and governments, and they were experts at living in this land surrounded by mountains and filled with rivers.


• The Nez Perce could catch salmon with their bare hands.

• The Modoc wore woven skullcap basket hats.

• The Kootenai made paintings on huge rocks and cliffs using red ocher and fish eggs.


Many Plateau Indians still live in this region. They work in a variety of industries, from fishing and logging to hospitality. Read more about the history and culture of the native peoples of the Plateau.