Indian Affairs Expert

"Another cloudy morning. The men reloaded the canoes and we set out 9 a.m. We passed four different islands and went through fifteen rapids which we were fortunate enough to escape. Along the way we passed many camps of Indians. At one of these camps we met up with the two Chiefs who we waited for yesterday. After a ceremony of smoking they agreed to join us...
...The white men have so much and the Indians have so little.
I am tired. Today has been very long."

-Sacagawea, October 8, 1805, East of Lewiston, ID

Responsibilities:
You have been selected to join the Lewis and Clark expedition because of the expertise you possess in dealing with Indians. There are over 50 different tribes along the trail the Corps of Discovery will travel, so your job is one of the most important in the Corps! Many of the tribes you will encounter have never been seen before, and Lewis and Clark need you to use your knowledge of native cultures to develop peaceful relations with these tribes. Be sure to take careful notes in your field journal about what kinds of native people you meet! You will need this information to bring back home with you to share with everyone who has no knowledge of these tribes, and to create your ten questions for the game!

Questions:
1. Where does each Indian tribe live? In what state (according to a present day map) do you find these tribes during the expedition?
3. Are the tribes peaceful or do they try to attack the Corps?
4. How do the Indian people help or hurt the expedition?
5. Do the Indians farm, hunt, or gather in order to live?
6. Record any interesting facts you find on your web sites!

Web sites:

Lewis and Clark had an interesting way of greeting the Indians. Make sure you read about the meeting ceremony so you can also perform this ritual!

In the fall of 1804, the expedition encountered the Mandan Indians. Find out more about the Mandans.

While visiting the Mandans, the Corps met Sacajawea. Find out how Sacagawea was important and helpful to Lewis and Clark.

Sacajawea was a Shoshone. The Shoshones lived around the Rocky Mountains. Find out how the Shoshones reacted to the Lewis and Clark expedition.

The Salish Indians gave Lewis and Clark lots of help during September of 1805. Why should the Corps be grateful to the Salish?

The Blackfeet Indians reacted differently to the Corps of Discovery compared to other tribes. Find out more about the Blackfeet here!

The Nez Perce Indians feel as though they have not been given enough credit for their help of Lewis and Clark. Find out why in two interviews with Nez Perce Indians.

This map shows some of the Indian tribes you encountered on the trail!

Image courtesy of PBS