Tinne, the northern branch of the great Athabascan family of American Indians, being the most northerly of all except the Esquimaux. They live north of lat. 55°, and extend from central Alaska to Hudson bay. They embrace several large divisions, differing in language: 1, the Chippewyans or Pointed Skins, called Montagnais by the French, including also the Caribou Eaters and Yellow Knives; 2, the Beaver Indians, on the west, the Mauvais Monde, and Sarcees; 3, the Dog Ribs, Slaves, Hares, Nahaunes, Red Knives, Sheep, Brushwood, and Rocky Mountain Indians, all E. of the Rocky mountains; 4, the Tacully or Carriers, including the Sicaunees in British Columbia; 5, the Kutchin Dekedh6 or Loucheux; 6, the Kenai, including the Atnas in Alaska. They are generally mild, timid, and honest, live on fish or reindeer and other animals, more frequently snared than hunted, and do not attempt to cultivate the ground. They are tall and slim, with a full face, dark complexion, and piercing eyes, and havo more beard than other Indians. Their weapons and implements are generally rude, made of bone or stone; but some tribes make excellent water-tight vessels of roots. Their jkanze or medicine men have great influence. The Chippewyans leave the dead unburied, but the Tacullies burn them.

The estimates of their numbers vary; those east of the Rocky mountains are estimated by Archbishop Tache at 15,000. Catholic and Protestant missions have been established among them in various parts.