Caretakers of the Land

Although agriculture as we know it, was not practiced, people took care of sites that were productive. In places where roots were dug, the patches were sometimes weeded or rocks removed. Only a percentage of the roots, usually the largest, were dug and eaten- the rest were left to set seed and grow, ensuring a root crop for years to come. The roots were dug using a digging stick made of hard wood that tapered to a point. Using a digging stick caused minimal disturbance to the soil, and what soil was disturbed made a good place for new seeds to germinate.

Lake Wenatchee was a great place for picking both blueberries (Vaccinium spp.) and serviceberries (Amelanchier alnifolia). Fires were purposely set to clear away the overstory and to promote the growth of berry plants. Berry plants were sometimes pruned as well, to make the shrub more productive.

Coyote tobacco (Nicotiana attenuata) was one of the few plants that was actually propagated by people in this region. It was grown in small, carefully managed gardens, and traded throughout this region for thousands of years. Kinnikinnick leaves (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi) and dogwood bark (Cornus sericea) was also smoked ceremonially. The stone pipe shown below was found in a basalt cave in Moses Coulee. It has been estimated to be over 2,000 years old. The case is made of cedar.

Petroglyphs currently at Ginko State Park in Vantage. The lowest image looks similar to the stone pipe.