Trading Connects Neighbors

In the earliest times, native people crossed these mountains on foot with only what they could carry on their back. After the early 1700s, the horse made the trek easier and allowed travelers to carry more goods over the mountain trails.
For countless generations, this route across the mountains was part of a far-reaching trade network that stretched from the Pacific Ocean to the plains east of the Rocky Mountains.
Trade between native peoples went far beyond the simple exchange of goods. Connections formed between trading partners allowed them to interact on a personal basis, to share skills, join families and in some cases adopt new ideas.
The Nimíipuu (Nez Perce) would trade beargrass, horses, camas root, salmon, pemmican, beads and buffalo products they secured through there own hunting and trading.
The Selish (Salish) and other Plains tribes would exchange clothing, tepees, parfleches (skinbags) and women's saddles. Traders would exchange their own products along with any surplus items that they received in trade from others such as shells from the coastal areas or medal items from European traders.
With the introduction of the horse, trading increased. The horse itself became a source of wealth as an important item of trade.
Stretching across the high mountain ridges, the ancient trail linked



friends and families. Travelers across these mountains created a vibrant trading system that would continue to enrich the lives of people on both sides of the mountains.

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Howard Camp
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Nimiipuum Wetes
My Name is K'useynisskit
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"...Observe the face of the country..."
"...Across the Endless Sea of Mountains..."

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