Tribal Directory Locations: Washington

<p>Washington has a long history of Native American inhabitants, evidenced by the state’s 29 federally recognized tribes. The two tribes with the largest reservations in the state included the Colville and Yakama Nations. However, every tribe in Washington followed similar survival tactics. For example, Natives living in Washington relied on easy access to water to catch salmon and trout. Additionally, several tribes crafted dugout canoes to navigate the various waterways easier. Most of Washington’s original inhabitants lived a semi-nomadic lifestyle, building different shelters depending on the season. Also, Native peoples utilized the more prominent waterways for trading with other tribes as well as Canadian and European settlers. Today, Washington has a vibrant Native American culture in museums, art galleries, etc., especially in cities like Seattle. </p>