The lives of people were characterized by brief periods of high activity, followed by longer periods of rest. There was much work involved in obtaining and processing food, especially plants, but after the food was gathered, there was time for socialization, rituals, games, art, and warfare.

The year was divided into specific times for food gathering. In spring the first roots and greens were gathered. This was a time of celebration, after the long winter most of the stored foods had been depleted and food caches were empty. During the summer different roots were gathered. Fall was the time of fruits, with seeds and berries gathered in quantity, dried, and stored for the coming winter.

Plant foods were gathered in the valleys, mountains, and in the Columbia Basin. Some plants tasted better or were more plentiful at certain localities. People would travel miles to dig roots or collect berries at these seasonal gathering places. Usually the women and children would dig roots or gather seed and berries while the men would hunt. For much of the year people lived in very small family groups. At the best gathering places these small groups would congregate. There, old friendships were renewed and people shared gossip about news and events. Children played together and adults gambled for roots and other goods.

Balsamroot (Balsamorhiza sagittata) roots were gathered in early spring before they put out leaves. It was one of the first fresh foods that people ate after the long winter.


Bitterroot (Lewisia rediviva) was one of the most important root crops. Today, Native Americans still gather Bitterroot on Badger Mountain.