Coeur d’Alene Tribe (Schitsu’umsh)
“The modern Coeur d’Alene Tribe is the sum of uncounted centuries of untold generations. In the tribe’s own ancient language, it is called Schitsu’umsh, meaning ‘Those who were found here’ or ‘The discovered people’. In this remains a land abundant in beauty and resources, a legacy of leadership, and a lineage that continues from the time immemorial. The Coeur d’Alenes are who they always were and who they will always be.”
“The original name of the Coeur d’Alene Tribe was Schitsu’umsh, meaning ‘Those who were found here’ or ‘The discovered people’. This has been our name since time immemorial. Before U.S. expansion into the area, the Schitsu’umsh would trade with French fur traders, who referred to the Schitsu’umsh as Coeur d’Alene’s, meaning “Heart of the Awl”. This too is our name and was received due to the sharp and disciplined trading practices of the Schitsu’umsh people.” (Source Tribal website)