A general survey of the aboriginal American Indian cultures of Idaho is given in this book. Most of the anthropological and historical writing on the native peoples of this region are summarized. It does not deal with contemporary Indian cultures, which will be described in a second volume along with their history of contact with Euro-Americans. Written from an ethnographic point of view, it is designed for teachers, students, and persons interested in Idaho's native peoples. Six aboriginal cultures are described: the Kutenai, Kalispel, Coeur d'Alene, Nez Perce, Shoshone-Bannock, and Northern Paiute. The book covers (1) the principal natural and cultural areas existing in Idaho about A.D. 1800-1850 and (2) the aboriginal Indian life patterns for subsistence, social organization, and world view as a group and by tribe. The appendices contain selected myths for each of the 6 groups and a glossary of terms used in the text. (NQ)