Spokanes
/spoʊˈkænz/noun
A plural form referring to members of the Spokane people, an Indigenous Salish-speaking people of the Pacific Northwest.
Did you know?The Spokane people’s own language belongs to the Interior Salish family, while the famous “children of the sun” translation is widely repeated but not securely established by historical linguistic evidence.
Etymological Timeline
Pre-contact period
Interior Salish
Spoqéni
“A reconstructed or recorded Indigenous form associated with the Spokane people; its exact original meaning remains disputed.”
18th Century
French
Spokane
“A name used by French-speaking explorers and traders for the Indigenous people and region.”
19th Century
English
Spokane
“The established English name for the people, their territory, and later the Washington settlement.”
Late 19th Century
English
Spokanes
“An English plural referring to members of the Spokane people.”
Modern English
English
Spokanes
“A plural form used for Spokane people, although “Spokane people” is often preferred in contemporary usage.”