Research topic: Kalispel

Kalispel or Pend d'Oreille , Native North Americans whose language belongs to the Salishan branch of the Algonquian-Wakashan linguistic stock (see Native American languages ). The Kalispel were given the name Pend d'Oreille [Fr.,?=?earring] by the French because of their custom of wearing shell earrings. In the early 19th cent. the Kalispel occupied NW Montana, N Idaho, and NE Washington. They then numbered some 1,600. Their culture was similar to that of the Spokan and other tribes of the Plateau area (see under Natives, North American ). Today the Kalispel live on the... Read more