The Coeur d’Alene tribe was once one of the strongest tribes in the territory now called northern Idaho, eastern Washington, and western Montana.  They mostly lived along the shores of the Lake of Coeur d’Alene, Lake Pend Oreille, and Hayden Lake.  The tribe lived along these lakes because of their trade routes and ability to trap animals in these areas.  They originally called themselves Schitsu’umsh (or Skitswish), which meant, The Discovered People or Those who are Found Here.  It wasn’t until the 19^th century that they received the name Coeur d’Alenes, meaning Heart of an Awl.  This name referred to their superb trading skills and ability to trap.

The whites to make contact with the tribe were Lewis and Clark.  Lewis and Clark noted many times about the strength of their people and how bountiful the tribes were.  They noted that they had wished that they had met them on the way to the coast and not on the way back because they were so fascinating. 

Their lands were originally very bountiful and the people roamed an area of 4 million acres.  The area that they occupied was known for their trout, salmon, and whitefish bountifulness.  The tribes’ people never went hungry for this reason, because they could supplement their hunting with a very prosperous fishing.  In 1873 their lands were officially reduced though, from four million acres to about 600,000 acres, and eventually to about 350,000 acres south of the town of Coeur d’Alene.  This reduction was mostly due to the finding of silver in the area in 1873. 

  The land is also known for being the sight of one of the first catholic missions.  The Cataldo Mission was established on the St. Joe River in the early 1840s. Because of flooding, it was moved to a bluff overlooking the Coeur d'Alene River in 1848. A new church and parish house were erected there and still stand today, both part of Old Mission State Park. Every August 15, the Coeur d'Alene Tribe sets up tepees on the mission grounds to celebrate the annual Feast of the Assumption.

The Tribe Today

            Today the tribe is known for its healthcare.  In particular the facility named Benewah Medical Center is the center of the care for the tribal people.  This center was recognized as a national model for Indian Health Care and rural health care in 2000.  The clinic not only provides primary care, but also includes dental and mental health services as well as a community health outreach to Native American populations.

            They received jurisdiction over the lower third Lake Coeur d’Alene, as well as 20 miles of the St. Joe River.  Their respect and reverence for their land they have stewardship is nationally recognized as some of the best.  The tribe’s active protection of fish and wildlife is among the best in the nation.

            In the past year they have received many awards and grants on their workforce training programs.  The amount came to about 1.6 mil, for the year of 2007.