 | |
| Total population | |
|---|---|
| Fewer than 5,300 | |
| Regions with significant populations | |
 United States ( Idaho) | |
| Languages | |
| Shoshone,English | |
| Religion | |
| Native American Church,Sun Dance, traditional tribal religion, Christianity,Ghost Dance | |
| Related ethnic groups | |
| otherShoshone tribes, Bannock,Northern Paiute |
TheLemhi Shoshone are a tribe ofNorthern Shoshone, also called theAkaitikka,Agaidika, or "Eaters of Salmon".[1] The name "Lemhi" comes fromFort Lemhi, a Mormon mission to this group. They traditionally lived in theLemhi River Valley and along the upperSalmon River inIdaho.[1] Bands were very fluid andnomadic, and they often interacted with and intermarried other bands ofShoshone and other tribes, such as theBannock.[2] Today most of them are enrolled in theShoshone-Bannock Tribes of the Fort Hall Reservation of Idaho.
The Akaitikka areNumic speakers, speaking theShoshone language.[3]
Fishing is an important source of food, and salmon, and trout were staples. Gooseberries and camas root,Camassia quamash are traditional vegetable foods for the Lemhi Shoshone.[4] In the 19th century,buffalo hunting provided meat, furs, hides, and other materials.[5]
During the 19th century, the Lemhi Shoshone were allied with theFlatheads and enemies of theBlackfeet. TheLewis and Clark Expedition encountered the Lemhi at the Three Forks of theMissouri River in 1805.[5] In the 1860s, Indian agents estimated the Lemhi population, which included Shoshone, Bannock, andTukudeka (Sheepeaters), to be 1,200.[6]
Tendoy was a prominent Lemhi chief in the mid-19th century.[7] He was half-Shoshone and half-Bannock.[2] He became the Lemhi's leading chief in 1863 afterTio-van-du-ah was killed inBannock County, Idaho.
TheLemhi Reservation, located along the Lemhi River, west of theBitterroot Range and north of theLemhi Range was created in 1875 and terminated in 1907.[5] Most of the residents were moved to the Fort Hall Indian Reservation. Others remain near Salmon, Idaho.
Robert Harry Lowie studied the band and publishedThe Northern Shoshone, a monograph about them in 1909.[6][8]
