Four Pacific Northwest Reservations and the Influenza Pandemic from 1918 to 1919

Abstract

Over the years, a myriad of diseases have decimated the Native American population in the Pacific Northwest. The last epidemic that affected these Pacific Northwest tribal communities was the Spanish Influenza which dates from the first wave in 1918 to the third wave in 1919. According to statistics, nine of the largest reservations showed an increase of “249 deaths over births” during that year. This thesis focuses on the Spanish Influenza and its affects on four tribal reservations located in the Pacific Northwest, Spokane, Nez Perce, Colville, and Yakama. In addition, this thesis will study the local social and cultural issues that affect the overall health and mental state of these reservations. Due to poor documentation and cultural bias, it was difficult to determine the exact mortality rate and effects of the pandemic on these four reservations. Evidence indicates that the Bureau of Indian Affairs was soon overwhelmed by the pandemic. According to Bureau of Indian Affairs, the 4,208 Native Americans in Idaho suffered a mortality rate of 11 percent. Washington’s 10,315 Native Americans encountered a 9 percent mortality rate. This thesis also addresses the environmental conditions, which enabled influenza and other diseases to spread so quickly. After the consolidation and removal of tribes to reservations, tribal members developed an immune deficiency due to poor living conditions, lack of healthcare, and poor diet. Many Native Americans also developed depression and mental anxiety. This situation was further exacerbated by the visible attacks of government reform policies and allotment and selling of tribal lands.