The Lemhi Shoshone Tribe

Sacajewea, one of the most noted Native Americans in history, was a member of the Lemhi Shoshone tribe. This northern band of Shoshone Indians is still in existence today and are mostly members of the Fort Hall Reservation of Idaho. Here is a look at the history of the tribe and where it is today.

Early days

During the 1800s, the Lemhi people were close allies with the Flathead Indians, who shared with them the region surrounding the Missouri River. Lewis and Clark encountered the tribe in 1805 and learned a great deal about its culture. In 1875, the people were granted the Lemhi Reservation but were moved to the Fort Hall Indian Reservation several years later.

Culture

The Lemhi people traditionally speak the Shoshone language. They rely on fish, such as salmon and trout, as a main source of food. They were buffalo hunters in the 1800s and used this animal for its fur and meat.

Today

Today there are less than 5,300 members of the Lemhi tribe in the United States. Most speak some Shoshone and belong to traditional religions, but Christianity is also prevalent in the tribe. The majority of the tribe still lives within the Fort Hall Reservation in Idaho, but some have left the reservation. The Shoshone are still close allies with the Bannock and often intermarry with this tribe.

The Lemhi Shoshone tribe is an interesting group of people with a unique and historic culture. Since Lewis and Clark came upon their band in the 1800s, the Lemhi Shoshone Indians have contributed greatly to American history.