Which Native American peoples lived in the Columbia River basin before European exploration?

Numerous Native American peoples inhabited the Columbia River basin for thousands of years before the arrival of European explorers. The region spans two distinct culture areas: the Northwest Coast and the Plateau.12

Prominent groups associated with the river basin include:

• Plateau peoples: These groups, who relied heavily on salmon fishing, include the Yakama, Nimiipuu (Nez Percé), Walla Walla, Umatilla, Salish, Kootenai, Spokan, Kalispel, Pend d’Oreille, and Coeur d’Alene.342
• Northwest Coast peoples: Tribes residing toward the river's mouth and coastal areas include the Chinook and Coast Salish.526

These societies were supported by the river's abundant resources, particularly salmon, which allowed for relatively dense populations. While Plateau groups typically lived in permanent riverside villages and practiced hunting and gathering, Northwest Coast societies were often highly stratified, featuring hereditary elites and corporate "house" structures.46