What was the salish peoples first contact with the europeans?

The Salish peoples, indigenous to the Pacific Northwest Coast, first encountered Europeans in the late 18th century, primarily through explorers such as Captain James Cook and later fur traders. These early interactions often involved trade, but they also brought significant challenges, including the spread of diseases to which the Salish had no immunity. Additionally, these contacts marked the beginning of profound social, economic, and cultural changes for the Salish communities.