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Wellpinit
Wellpinit
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Monday November 23, 2009    3:34 AM
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Questions and Answers about the Spokane Indians
 

What were their burial practices?
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Two forms of burial predominated in the Plateau area, pit burials and rockslide burials.

Pit burials took place in sand or gravel near the river banks and were often marked with piles of boulders. The rockslide burials were also located close to the river huts, with a cedar stake used as a marker. Also some cremation burials occurred in the Yakima Valley and at The Dalles and also in the Lillooet-Thompson area.

The wife and close relatives of the dead person had to follow certain taboos - that is, there were certain things that they couldn't do. A widow was supposed to dress poorly and wail at the grave, sometimes for as long a period as a year.

There are reports that the house where the death occurred was torn down so that the dead person would not reappear there.










Last Updated
December 24, 2004
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The Wellpinit School District serves all students on the Spokane Indian Reservation.
Our student body of 570 enjoys one of the most technologically advanced schools in Eastern Washington.
We take pride in keeping our students up to date with the latest advancements in education and technology.
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6270 Ford-Wellpinit Road, Wellpinit WA 99040 (509) 258-4535
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