Why did some northwestern Salishan peoples keep Plateau traditions instead of adopting Plains customs?

The northwestern Salishan peoples, including the Ntlakapamux (Thompson) and Shuswap, maintained their traditional Plateau customs rather than adopting the cultural practices of the Plains Indians primarily because they did not share the same military ethos that characterized many Plains groups.1

While some Plateau tribes—particularly those on the eastern periphery—adopted Plains-inspired elements such as tepees, feathered headdresses, and war regalia, the northwestern Salishan groups chose to preserve their own distinct traditions. Unlike the nomadic, war-oriented lifestyle that developed among some Plains-influenced tribes, many Plateau residents prioritized different social values. For instance, while some groups engaged in occasional raids, others were noted for avoiding conflict entirely, emphasizing traits such as courtesy, honesty, and hospitality.1

Furthermore, the cultural landscape of the Plateau was diverse; while eastern groups like the Flathead integrated Plains-style tribal organization and horse-based bison hunting, the northwestern Salishan peoples remained more closely aligned with the traditional, often autonomous, village-based structures of the Plateau culture area.12