Kalispel
/ˈkælɪspɛl/noun
A name for a Salish-speaking Indigenous people of the inland Pacific Northwest and their language.
Did you know?The Kalispel are also known by the French name Pend d’Oreille, meaning “ear pendant,” reportedly inspired by the large shell earrings worn by some members; the community’s own name is Ql̓ispé.
Etymological Timeline
Pre-contact period
Salishan
Ql̓ispé
“The community’s Indigenous name; commonly glossed in English as “camas people,” though analyses of the form and translation vary.”
18th Century
French
Pend d’Oreille
““Hanging ear” or “ear pendant,” a French descriptive name applied to the people.”
19th Century
English
Kalispel
“An English spelling derived from the Indigenous name Ql̓ispé.”
19th Century
English
Kalispel Indians
“A historical English designation for the people in missionary, governmental, and settler records.”
Modern English
English
Kalispel
“The established English name of the Kalispel people, language, tribe, and associated places.”
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