Coos Bay Coquille Indian Tribe
Medford
Coquille Indian Tribe Ancestors of the Coquille Indian Tribe flourished in Southwestern Oregon for thousands of years, roaming a homeland that stretched across more than 1 million acres. Uprooted and nearly erased in the 19th century, the Coquille people clung to their tribal identity and culture. Today the Coquille (pronounced ko-kwel) Indian Tribe numbers nearly 1,200 people. It is the Coos Bay area’s second-largest employer, active in hospitality, forestry, health care, construction and other ventures. It proudly practices the ancient tradition of potlatch, employing its resources to enrich the whole community. The tribe’s unofficial motto is “Take what you need and leave some for the others.” Since it was restored to federal recognition in 1989, the Coquille Indian Tribe has strived to rebuild its heritage. Its members include virtuoso artisans in beading, basket weaving and wood carving. Nearly forgotten languages are reemerging, as are tribal ceremonies. Since its restoration, the tribe has slowly regained about 10,000 acres of its homeland, most of it wooded. The tribe’s loving management of this land has earned it national recognition for sustainable forestry. Kilkich, a housing development on tribal land near Charleston, is a tidy community of rented and owneroccupied homes surrounding the tribe’s medical and educational facilities. The tribe takes special pride in its Community Plankhouse, a traditional cedar-built gathering place for feasting, drumming and dancing.
24
G U I D E TO O R EG O N I N D I A N CO U N T RY
children, potlatch means caring for one another, sharing with one another, always welcoming guests as friends, and appreciating the beauty and abundance that is theirs, in this place they call home. NEARBY VISITOR ATTRACTIONS The Coos Bay, North Bend and Charleston region is known as Oregon’s Adventure Coast — for good reason. There are ample opportunities here for fishing, crabbing, clamming and whale watching. Thanks to the mild climate of the South Coast, visitors can enjoy year-round outdoor recreation like hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, boating and ATV riding on the largest expanse of coastal sand dunes in North America. The natural contours of dunes, streams and coastal forest also make for beautiful golf courses, like the renowned Bandon Dunes Golf Resort, 22 miles south of The Mill Casino • Hotel and RV Park. For those looking for a scenic drive, the Charleston to Bandon Tour Route is a great introduction to the region. The 41-mile route showcases some great scenery, from the busy ports of Coos Bay and Charleston to rocky Pacific headlands, the Cape Arago Lighthouse, and the formal gardens and Pacific grandeur of Shore Acres State Park. Along the way, take time to check out area museums like the Coos History Museum, where you can learn more
FACE ROCK STATE SCENIC VIEWPOINT
Interpretive signage at Face Rock explains the Native American legend of Ewauna, an adventurous young girl who wandered too far out into the sea.
LARRY ANDREASEN
TRIBAL CELEBRATIONS Historically, Oregon’s bountiful landscape provided ample flora and fauna year-round. None of these, however, matched the resources that were provided by the ocean. Salmon was foremost among them, the most widely sought food staple by the Coquille. Salmon continues to play an important role in the lives of the Coquille, from its acquisition to its preparation to the ultimate enjoyment from its consumption. The Coquille Indian Tribe recognizes the salmon’s ultimate sacrifice to feed the people with the Mill-Luck Salmon Celebration. Marking the return of the salmon to coastal rivers, the September event also provides a stage to share the heritage, culture and traditions of the Coquille Indian Tribe and other Pacific Northwest tribes with residents and visitors. The two-day celebration includes daily performances featuring Native American dancing and drumming, a marketplace offering traditional wares and foods, bayfront canoe races, traditional games and activities for children, and a variety of cultural demonstrations by Coquille tribal members. A traditional salmon-bake dinner, with fresh salmon prepared in the time-honored Coquille open-pit manner, is the highlight of the weekend. Neighboring tribes from throughout Oregon join in this celebration to share the values, traditions and culture of Native American peoples. As the Coquille teach their
