The Cayuse Native Americans primarily resided in the Columbia Basin in the Pacific Northwest.
Historical Habitation of the Cayuse Tribe
The traditional homeland of the Cayuse tribe was centered within the vast Columbia Basin, a geographical region encompassing parts of what are now Oregon and Washington, and extending into Idaho. This area is known for its distinct rocky environment, which significantly influenced the tribe's interactions with their surroundings and even how they were perceived by outsiders.
Name and Cultural Identity
The Cayuse tribe referred to themselves by a specific name that reflected their communal identity, while the name "Cayuse" itself was given to them by others:
- Self-Designation: The Cayuse people called themselves the Tetawken, which means “we people.”
- Origin of "Cayuse": The name "Cayuse" originated from the French word “Cailloux,” translating to “Rock People.” This moniker was bestowed upon the tribe by French-Canadian trappers and fur traders, likely due to the prominent rocky landscape of their native territory.
