My people know about their past from three sources of information: Oral Tradition, Archeology & Anthropology, and Euro-American history. The Sahnish Shield represents the Oral Tradition of the past. Using symbols, the Sahnish Culture Society share the story of their past as an inspiration for the future.

Oral Tradition
The history of the people, where we lived, how we lived, and where we came from were all passed from one generation to the next orally...

Rock and Cedar Symbols
The people were ill and in need and buffeted by the strong winds. The voice again was heard speaking to them, telling them to lay hold on the Cedar and that it would help them...

Archeology & Anthropology
Archeology, the scientific study of human artifacts, researches the remains from our villages and provides information about our ancestor's daily habits...

Euro-American History
Captured in maps, drawings, pictures, and written documents, Euro-American history is the written record kept by trappers...