The COLUMBIAN PLATEAU INDIANs & 2 FOODs We often Forget

[Puffer]

For those of us, who interact in PNW realize the importance of the "CASCADIA" area & the fact that Food that the Native Tribes often provided to "camps,posts,Ft.s, etc. was +++.

{Note - remember there were "distinct cultures" = the Coastal Tribes & the  Columbia Plateau Tribes }

We are gen. familiar with the fact the tribes suppled various meats (& meat products) & fish to the larders But how many of us know of 2 Important "root vedgies" that the Plateau Tribes traded ?

#1 CAMAS This was a very important food item. The "major" suppliers were the Nez Perce. (L&C speak on this) This item was also a major trade item from Plateau Tribes to the Coastal ones.

#2 Sagittaria latifolia is a plant found in shallow wetlands and is sometimes known as broadleaf arrowhead, duck-potato, Indian potato, or wapato. This plant produces edible tubers that were extensively used by the Indigenous peoples of the PNW (again L&C speak on this {in "glowing terms"} also it is discussed  by the PFC & NWC)
{last 2 pics.}

[rollingb]

Yer makin' me hungry! 

[Winter Hawk]

Patrick Gass also wrote in his journal about the Corps of Discovery getting Camas root and other roots, often having nothing else to eat as game was scarce West of the mountains.

~Kees~