| Regions with significant populations | |
|---|---|
| United States (Washington) | |
| Languages | |
| English, Salishan, Interior Salish | |
| Related ethnic groups | |
| Colville, Nespelem, Sanpoil, Sinixt, Palus, Wenatchi, Entiat, Methow, Southern Okanagan (Sinkaietk), Sinkiuse-Columbia, and the Nez Perce of Chief Joseph's band |
The Chelan (pronounced sha-lan) are an Interior Salish people speaking the Wenatchi dialect, though separate from that tribe. The name derives from the traditional Wenatchi name Tsi-Laan meaning "deep water".
The Chelan were historically located at the outlet of Lake Chelan in the U.S. state of Washington, where they spent the winter months.[1] The Chelan Native Americans are thought to have splintered off from the Wenatchi tribe.