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Oregon Indian Tribes
The history of the Oregon
Indians was similar to that of the Indians of Washington. The coast tribes
seem to have been affected little or not at all by the settlements of the
Spaniards in California, and those of the interior were influenced only in
slightly greater measure by them through the introduction of the horse.
Nor were these tribes reached so extensively by the employees of the great
fur companies. Contact with such advance agents of civilization was
principally along the valley of the Columbia River, and Astoria will
always be remembered as bearing witness to the transient attempts of the
American Fur Company to establish a permanent trading organization
in this region under the American flag. As in the case of Washington,
Oregon and its tribes were first brought to the acquaintance of our
Eastern States in an intimate way by the expedition of Lewis and Clark in
1805-6.
Here also settlement was delayed until the
fixation of the International Boundary line and the rush westward
following upon the discovery of gold in California. From the middle of the
nineteenth century onward, however, the native tribes were rapidly
dispossessed, placed upon reservations, and reduced in numbers. At a later
period the decrease became less marked, but it has continued nevertheless,
partly as an actual extinction of the aboriginal population and partly as
an absorption in the dominant race. Most of the Chinookan tribes were
finally placed upon Warm Springs and Grande Ronde Reservations and on
Yakima Reservation in Washington; all of the Athapascan tribes upon the
Siletz Reservation, except the Umpqua, who went to Grande Ronde; the Kusan
and Yakonan tribes upon the Siletz Reservation; the Salishan peoples of
Oregon upon the Grande Ronde and Siletz Reserves; most of the Kalapooian
peoples upon the Grande Ronde, though a few on the Siletz; most of the
Molala upon the Grande Ronde; the Klamath upon Klamath Reserve; the Modoc
mostly on Klamath Reserve but a few upon the Quapaw Reservation in
Oklahoma; the Shahaptian tribes of Oregon upon the Umatilla Reservation;
and the Northern Paiutes upon the Klamath Reservation.
Ahantchuyuk. Own name,
significance unknown. Also called:
French Prairie Indians, by early settlers.
Pudding River Indians, by various authors, and adopted by
Berreman (1937).
Connections. The
Ahantchuyuk belonged to the Kalapooian linguistic stock.
Location. On and about
Pudding River, which empties into the Willamette from the east about 10
miles south of Oregon City.
Population. (See
Calapooya.) Not given separately.
Alsea. A corruption of
Älsé,
their own name, meaning unknown. Also called:
Kûnis'tûnnĕ,
Chastacosta name.
Päifan amím,
Luckiamute Kalapuya name.
Si ni'-tĕ-lĕ
tunnĕ, Naltunne name, meaning
"flatheads."
Tcha yáχo amim, Luckiamute
Kalapuya name.
Tĕhayesatlu, Nestucca name.
Connections. The Alsea
belonged to the Yakonan linguistic stock.
Location. On Alsea River
and Bay.
Villages.
Chiink, on the south side of Alsea River.
Kakhtshanwaish, on the north side of Alsea River.
Kalbusht, on the lower course of Alsea River.
Kauhuk, on the south side of Alsea River.
Kaukhwan, on the north side of Alsea River at Beaver Creek.
Khlimkwaish, on the south side of Alsea River.
Khlokhwaiyutslu, on the north side of Alsea River.
Kutauwa, on the north side of Alsea River at its mouth.
Kwamk, on the south side of Alsea River.
Kwulisit, on the south side of Alsea River.
Kyamaisu, on the north side of Alsea River at its mouth.
Panit, on the south side of Alsea River.
Shiuwauk, on the north side of Alsea River.
Skhakhwaiyutslu, on the south side of Alsea River.
Tachuwit, on the north side of Alsea River.
Thlekuhweyuk, on the south side of Alsea River.
Thlekushauk, on the south side of Alsea River. |
Population. Mooney (1928)
estimates the number of Indians belonging to the Yakonan stock at 6,000 in
1780. The census of 1910 returned 29 Indians under this name, and that of
1930 only 9 under the entire Yakonan stock.
Connection in which they have
become noted. Alsea or Alsea River, Alsea Bay and the village of
Alsea, Benton County, Oreg., preserve the name of the Alsea Indians.
Atfalati. Meaning unknown.
Often shortened to Fallatahs. Sometimes spelled Tuálati,
or Tualatin (Berreman, 1937). Also known as:
Tualatin, Palmer in Ind. Aff. Rep., p. 260, 1859.
Wapato Lake Indians, a common name used by travelers.
Connections. The Atfalati
belonged to the northern dialectic branch of the Kalapooian linguistic
family.
Location. On the Atfalati
plains, the hills about Forest Grove and the shores and vicinity of
Wapato; they are also said to have extended as far as the site of
Portland.
Villages and Bands
|
Chachambitmanchal, 3½
miles north of Forest Grove.
Chachamewa, at Forest Grove, 6 miles from Wapato Lake.
Chachanim, on Wapato Lake prairie.
Chachif, on Wapato Lake.
Chachimahiyuk, between Wapato Lake and Willamette River, Washington
County.
Chachimewa, on or near Wapato Lake, Yamhill County.
Chachokwith, at a place of the same name north of Forest Grove,
Washington
County.
Chagindueftei, between Hillsboro and Sauvies Island, Washington
County. Chahelim, in Chehelim Valley, 5 miles south of Wapato Lake,
Yamhill County. Chakeipi, about 10 miles west of Oregon City.
Chakutpaliu, northeast of Hillsboro, Washington County.
Chalal, near the outlet of Wapato Lake.
Chalawai, southeast of Wapato Lake.
Chamampit, on Wapato Creek at the east end of Wapato Lake.
Chapanaghtin, north of Hillsboro, Washington County.
Chapokele, 4 miles west of Wapato Lake.
Chapungathpi, at Forest Grove, Washington County.
Chatagihl, at the upper end of Wapato Lake.
Chatagithl, at the upper end of Wapato Lake.
Chatagshish, in Washington County.
Chatakuin, 7 miles north of Hillsboro, Washington County.
Chatamnei, 10 miles north of Wapato Lake, in Washington County.
Chatilkuei, 5 miles west of Wapato Lake, in Yamhill County.
Chawayed, west of Forest Grove, in Washington County. |
Population. (See
Calapooya.) The census of 1910 returned 44 Atfalati.
Connection in which they have
become noted. The name Atfalati is preserved in the form Tualatin by a
town in Washington County.
Bannock. The Bannock came
over into the eastern borders of the state between Powder and Owyhee
Rivers in more recent times. (See Idaho.)
Calapooya. Meaning
unknown. Also called:
Kait-ka, by the Umpqua.
Tsänh-alokual amím,
by the Luckiamute Kalapuya.
Connections. The
Calapooya belonged to the Calapooya dialectic division of the Kalapooian
linguistic stock.
Location. On the headwaters of Willamette River
including McKinzie, Middle, and West Forks.
Subdivisions or Bands
Ampishtna, east of upper Willamette River.
Tsanchifin, on the site of Eugene City.
Tsanklightemifa, at Eugene City.
Tsankupi, at Brownsville, Lynn County.
Tsawokot, north of Eugene City.
Population. Mooney (1928)
estimates the population of the entire Kalapooian stock at 3,000 in 1780.
The Kalapooian bands on Grande Ronde Reservation numbered 351 in 1880; 164
in 1890; 130 in 1905. The census of 1910 returned 5 of the Calapooya tribe
by itself, and 106 in the entire stock; and that of 1930, 45 individuals
in the stock.
Connections in which they
have become noted. The Calapooya tribe is of note
(1) because its name has been used for all the tribes of the stock; and
(2) from its later application to Calapooya River, a branch of the
Willamette; Calapooya Creek, an affluent of the Umpqua; and the Calapooya
Mountains.
Cayuse. Significance unknown.
Haí`luntchi, Molalla name.
Wailĕtpu, own name.
Connections. The Cayuse
were placed by Powell (1891) in the Waiilatpuan linguistic stock along
with the Molala, but this is now recognized as a branch of the
Shapwailutan family.
Location. About the heads
of Walla Walla, Umatilla, and Grande Ronde Rivers and extending from the
Blue Mountains to Deschutes River, Washington and Oregon.
History. Anciently the
Cayuse are said to have had their headquarters on the Upper Grande Ronde
but to have extended west later to the region of Deschutes River, where
they may have met the Molala. They entered the historical arena with the
expedition of Lewis and Clark and were afterward well known to explorers,
hunters, and settlers. In 1838 a mission was established among them by the
noted Marcus Whitman at the site of the present town of Whitman, but in
1847 smallpox carried off a large number of the tribe, and the Indians,
believing the missionaries to be the cause, murdered Whitman and a number
of other Whites and destroyed the mission. By 1851 they were much reduced
in numbers and had become partially merged in the Nez Perce. In 1853 they
joined in the treaty by which Umatilla Reservation was formed and made
their homes upon it from that time forward. Their language is now nearly
extinct.
Population. Mooney (1928)
estimates 500 Cayuse in 1780. In 1904, 404 were officially reported; the
census of 1910 gave 298, while the United States Indian Office in 1923
returned 337. The census of 1930 reported 199 Cayuse and Molala, and the
United States Indian Office of Cayuse alone in 1937, 370.
Connection in which they have
become noted. The Cayuse were reputed one of the most warlike tribes
of Washington and Oregon. Horses were early bred among them and an Indian
pony came to be known to the white settlers as a "cayuse." There is a
place called Cayuse in Umatilla County, Oreg.
Chastacosta. From
Shista-kwŭsta, their own name,
significance unknown. Also called:
Atcháshti amē'mnei,
by the Atfalati Kalapuya.
Atchashti ámim, another form of
the Kalapuya name.
Katuku, by the Shasta.
Wálamskni, by the Klamath.
Wálamswash, by the Modoc.
Connections. The
Chastacosta belonged to the Athapascan stock.
Location. On the lower
course of Illinois River, both sides of Rogue River for some distance
above its confluence with the Illinois, and on the north bank somewhat
farther.
Villages
Dorsey recorded the following:
Chetuttunne.
Chunarghuttunne, east of the junction
of Rogue River and Applegate River.
Chunsetunneta.
Chunsetunnetun.
Chushtarghasuttun.
Chusterghutmunnetun, the highest on Rogue River.
Chuttushshunche.
Khloshlekhwuche.
Khotltacheche.
Khtalutlitunne.
Kthelutlitunne, at the junction of Rogue
River and a southern affluent.
Kushlatata.
Mekichuntun.
Musme.
Natkhwunche.
Nishtuwekulsushtun.
Sechukhtun.
Senestun. |
Setaaye.
Setsurgheake.
Silkhkemechetatun.
Sinarghutlitun.
Skurgnut.
Sukechunetunne.
Surghustesthitun.
Tachikhwutme, above the mouth of Illinois River.
Takasichekhwut.
Talsunme.
Tatsunye.
Thethlkhuttunne.
Tisattunne.
Tsetaame, east of the junction of Rogue
River with Applegate River.
Tsetutkhlalenitun.
Tukulittatun.
Tukwilisitunne.
Tuslatunne. |
Twenty of these at least were on the north
side of Rogue River. The following may be synonymous with some in the
above list: Klothchetunne, on or in the
vicinity of Rogue River; Sekhatsatunne, on the north bank of Rogue River;
Tasunmatunne, in the Rogue River country.
Drucker (1937) merely gives the "Chasta Costa (cista
kwusta)" as one town near the Rogue-Illinois confluence divided into three
parts called Tleattlī'ntun, Tcetcī'wut,
and Setla'tun.
Population. Mooney (1928)
estimates the population of the Chastacosta and 10 other Athapascan tribes
in the vicinity at 5,600. In 1856 the remnant which was removed to Siletz
Reservation numbered but 153, and the census of 1910 returned only 7. The
1930 census returned a total Athapascan population in Oregon of 504. The
United States Office of Indian Affairs reported 30 Chastacosta in 1937.
Chelamela. Significance
unknown. Also called:
Long Tom Creek Indians.
Connections. The
Chelamela belonged to the Calapooya dialectic division of the Kalapooian
linguistic stock.
Location. On Long Tom
Creek, a western tributary of the Willamette River.
Population.-(See Calapooya.)
Chepenafa. Significance
unknown. Also called:
Api'nefu, or Pineifu, by the other Kalapuya.
Marys River Indians, the official and popular name.
Connections. The
Chepenafa belonged to the Calapooya dialectic division of the Kalapooian
linguistic stock, and were sometimes regarded as a subdivision of the
Luckamiut.
Location. At the forks of
St. Marys Creek, near Corvallis.
Population. (See
Calapooya.) The census of 1910 returned 24.
Chetco. Own name, meaning
"close to the mouth of the stream."
Connections. The Chetco
belonged to the Athapascan linguistic stock and differed little in culture
from the other Athapascan groups immediately north of them and the Tolowa
to the south.
Location. On each side of
the mouth of Chetco River and about 14 miles up it as well as on Winchuck
River. (See also California.)
Villages
As recorded by Dorsey (in Hodge, 1907):
Chettanne, Khuniliikhwut, Nukhsuchutun, Setthatun, Siskhaslitun,
and
Tachukhaslitun, on the south side of Chetco River.
Chettannene, on the north side of Chetco River.
Nakwutthume, on Chetco River above all the other villages.
Thlcharghiliitun, on the upper course of a south branch of Chetco
River. |
As recorded by Drucker (1937):
Hosa'tun, at the mouth of Winchuck River.
Natltene'tun, about where the modern town of Brookings stands.
Shri'choslintun, on Chetco River a little above the following.
Tcagitli'tun, on Chetco River at the mouth of the north Fork.
Tcet or Tcetko, at the mouth of Chetco River, really a town on each
side. Tume'stun, near Shri'choslintun.
Drucker adds that "the coast town which Parrish calls Wishtenatan
(Water man, xustene'ten) may have been affiliated more closely with
Chetco River than with the Lower Rogue River group." |
Population. See
Chastacosta. In 1854, a year after the Chetco had been removed to the
Siletz Reservation, they numbered 241. In 1861 they numbered 262. In 1877
there were only 63 on the reservation. The census of 1910 returned 9.
Connection in which they have
become noted. A river and a post hamlet in Curry County, Oregon,
perpetuate the name of the Chetco.
Clackamas. From their own
name, Guithla'kimas, significance unknown.
Also spelled Tltkimish, and called:
A'kimmash, by the Atfalati Kalapuya.
Gita'q!emas, by the Clatsop.
Nsekau's or Ns tiwat, by the Nestucca.
Tu'hu tane, by the Umpqua.
Connections.-The
Clackamas belonged to the Chinookan linguistic stock and to a dialectical
division to which they have given their name.
Location.-On Clackamas
River, claiming the country on the east side of Willamette River from a
few miles above its mouth nearly to Oregon City and east as far as the
Cascade Mountains. (See also Washington.)
Population. Mooney (1928)
estimates that the Clackamas numbered 2,500 in 1780. In 1806 Lewis and
Clark set down their probable number as 1,800. In 1851 there were 88; the
1910 census returned 40; and United States Office of Indian Affairs in
1937, 81. The census of 1930 reported a total of 561 Indians in the
Chinookan stock.
Connection in which they have
become noted. The name Clackamas is perpetuated by a river, a county,
and a town in Oregon.
Clatskanie. Significance
unknown. Also spelled A`látskné-i,
Clackstar, Klatskanai, Tlatskanai, etc.
Connection. The
Clatskanie belonged to the Athapascan linguistic stock.
Location. According to
Gibbs (1877) the Clatskanie at one time owned the prairies bordering
Chehalis River, Washington, at the mouth of Skookumchuck River, but on the
failure of game, crossed the Columbia and occupied the mountains about
Clatskanie River, their best-known historic seat. For a long time they
exacted toll of all who passed going up or down the Columbia.
Population. Mooney (1928)
estimates 1,600 Clatskanie in 1780. In 1851 they were reduced to three men
and five women. The census of 1910 returned three. (See Chastacosta.)
Connection in which they have
become noted. Like the Kwahlioqua,
the Clatskanie are noted for their isolation from other branches of the
Athapascan stock. Their name is preserved by Clatskanie Creek and
Clatskanie town in Columbia County, Oreg.
Clatsop. From a native word
meaning "dried salmon."
Connection. The Clatsop
belonged to the Lower Chinook dialectic division of the Chinookan
linguistic stock.
Location. The Clatsop
centered about Cape Adams, on the south side of Columbia River, extending
up the latter as far as Tongue Point and southward on the Pacific coast to
Tillamook Head.
Villages. As far as known
these were:
Konope, near the mouth of Columbia River.
Neacoxy, the principal winter village, at the site of Seaside, at
the mouth of Neacoxie Creek.
Neahkeluk, at Point Adams.
Niakewankih, south of Point Adams at the mouth of Ohanna Creek.
Neahkstowt, near the present Hammond.
Necotat, at the site of Seaside.
Population. Mooney (1928)
estimates 300 Clatsop in 1780. In 1806 Lewis and Clark gave 300. In 1875
the few survivors were moved to Grande Ronde Reservation, where the census
of 1910 returned 26. (See Clackamas.)
Connection in which they have
become noted. Clatsop County and the town of Clatsop, Oreg., preserve
the name.
Clowwewalla.
Significance unknown. Phonetically GiLā'wēwalamt.
Also called:
Fall Indians,
Tumwater Indians, popular names.
Willamette Indians,
Willamette Falls Indians, popular names.
Connections. The
Clowwewalla belonged to the Clackamas division of the Chinookan linguistic
stock.
Location. At the falls of
Willamette River.
Subdivisions. The
Clowwewalla may have included the Cushooks, Chahcowahs, and Nemalquinner
of Lewis and Clark.
Population. The
Clowwewalla, or a part of them, were called Cushook by Lewis and Clark,
who estimated that they numbered 650 in 1805-6. On this basis Mooney
(1928) estimated there might have been 900 in 1780. They were greatly
reduced by the epidemic of 1829 and in 1851 numbered 13. They are now
apparently extinct.
Dakubetede. Own name,
significance unknown. Also called:
Applegate River Indians, from their habitat.
Nǐ'ckitc hītclûm,
Alsea name, meaning "people far up the stream."
Ts'û-qûs-li'-gwûût-me'
tunne, Naltûnnetûnne
name.
Connections. The
Dakubetede belonged to the Athapascan linguistic stock, using a dialect
identical with that of the Taltushtuntude.
Location. On Applegate
River.
Population. Mooney (1928)
estimates the Dakubetede, the Nahankhotane (part of the Umpqua), the
Taltushtuntude, and the Umpqua to have numbered 3,200 in 1780. They are
nowhere separately enumerated. (See Chastacosta.)
Hanis. Own name, significance
unknown.
Connections. The Hanis
formed one dialectic group of the Kusan linguistic family, the other being
Miluk. It is probable that this stock was connected with the Yakonan.
Location. On Coos River
and Bay.
Villages. Anasitoh, on
the south side of Coos Bay. Melukitz, on the north side of Coos Bay.
Population. Mooney (1928)
estimates that the Hanis and the Miluk together numbered 2,000 in 1780. In
1805 Lewis and Clark estimated 1,500 Hanis. The census of 1910 returned 93
for the entire stock and that of 1930, 107, while, again for the stock,
the United States Office of Indian Affairs reported 55 in 1937.
Klamath (See Klamath)
Kuitsh. Significance unknown.
Also called:
Ci-sta'-gwût-mê'
tunnĕ', Mishikwutmetunne name, meaning
"people
dwelling on the stream called Shista."
Lower Umpqua, or Umpwua, popular name.
Tu'kwil-mä'-k'i, Alsea name.
Connections. The Kuitsh
belonged to the Yakonan linguistic stock, though so remotely connected
that Frachtenberg (1911, p. 441) thought of placing them in an independent
family, the Siuslawan.
Location. On Lower Umpqua
River.
Villages
According to Dorsey these were:
Chitlatamus
Chukhuiyathl
Chukukh
Chupichnushkuch
Kaiyuwuntsunitthai
Khuwaihus
Kthae
Kuiltsh
Mikulitsh
Misun
Ntsiyamis |
Paiuiyunitthai
Skakhaus
Takhaiya
Thukhita
Tkimeye
Tsalila
Tsetthim
Tsiakhaus
Tsunakthiamittha
Wuituthlaa |
Population. The Kuitsh
are usually classed with the Siuslaw. Mooney (1928) estimates the entire
Yakonan stock at 6,000 in 1780, and by 1930 this had been reduced to 9.
The Kuitsh are nowhere separately enumerated.
Latgawa. Signifying "those
living in the uplands." Also called:
Walumskni, by the Klamath.
Connections. With the
Takelma proper, the Latgawa constituted the Takilman linguistic family
which, in turn, was probably affiliated with the Shastan stock.
Location.-On Upper Rogue River eastward about Table Rock and Bear Creek
and in the neighborhood of the present town of Jacksonville.
Village. Sapir (1915)
records one village belonging to this tribe known by the tribal name and
also called Latgauk.
Population. See Takelma.
Lohim. Significance unknown.
(See Paiute, Northern.)
Connections. Reported as
a band of Shoshoneans which entered Oregon at a late period.
Location. On Willow
Creek, a southern affluent of the Columbia.
Population. In 1870 the
number of Lohim was reported as 114, but the name has not appeared in
recent official reports. They have generally been regarded as renegades
belonging to the Umatilla Reservation, and Ray's (1938) informants denied
the presence of Shoshoneans here, asserting that the name was applied to
Yakima.
Luckiamute, Lakmiut.
Significance unknown.
Alakĕma'yuk, Atfalati name.
Suck-a-mier, Chelukimaukes, forms appearing in Reports of the
Office of Indian Affairs.
Connections. The
Luckiamute belonged to the Calapooya dialectic division of the Kalapooian
linguistic stock.
Location. The Luckiamute
River.
Subdivisions or Bands
Ampalamuyu, on Luckiamute River.
Mohawk, on Mohawk River.
Tsalakmiut, on Luckiamute River.
Tsamiak, near Luckiamute River.
Tsantatawa, south of Luckiamute River.
Tsantuisha, on Luckiamute River.
Population. (See
Calapooya.) The number of Luckiamute was given as 28 in 1905. The census
of 1910 returned only 8.
Connection in which they have
become noted. This tribe has given its name to Luckiamute River, Oreg.
Miluk. Significance unknown;
also called Lower Coquille.
Connections. The Miluk
spoke the southern of the two dialects of the Kusan linguistic family, and
were related more remotely to the Yakonan stock.
Location. At the mouth of
Coquille River.
Villages.
Miluk or Mulluk, on the north side of the Coquille River at the
site of the present
town of Randolph.
Nasumi, on the south side of Coquille River on the coast of Oregon,
near the site
of the present Bandon.
Population. Mooney (1928)
estimated 2,000 in 1780 for the Miluk and Hanis together. In 1910 they
numbered 93. (See Hanis.) In 1937 the population of the "Kus" Indians was
given as 55.
Mishikhwutmetunne.
Signifying "people who live on the stream called Mishi." Also called:
Coquille, or Upper Coquille, from their habitat.
De-d'á tené,
Tutuni name, meaning "people by the northern water."
Ithalé tĕni,
Umpqua name.
Kukwil', Alsea name (from Coquille).
Connections. The
Mishikhwutmetunne belonged to the Athapascan linguistic stock, their
relations being particularly close with the Tututni.
Location. On upper
Coquille River.
Villages
The following were recorded by J. O. Dorsey (1884):
Chockreletan, near the forks of
Coquille River.
Chuntshataatunne
Duldulthawaiame
Enitunne
Ilsethlthawaiame
Katomemetunne
Khinukhtunne
Khweshtunne, next above Coquille City. people and below Coquille
City.
Kimestunne
Kthukhwestunne
Kthunataachuntunne
Meshtshe
Nakhituntunne
Nakhochatunne
Natarghiliitunne
Natsushltatunne
Nilestunne
Rghoyinestunne.
Sathlrekhtun
Sekhushtuntunne |
Sunsunnestunne.
Sushitakhotthatunne.
Thlkwantiyatunne
Thltsharghiliitunne
Thltsusmetunne
Thlulchikhwutmetunne
Timethitunne
Tkhlunkhastunne, next to the Kusan
Tsatarghekhetunne
Tthinatlitunne, at the site of Coquille
Tulwutmetunne
Tuskhlustunne
Tustatunkhuushi
Drucker (1937) recorded besides:
Hweshtun (perhaps partly Kusan)
Natgrilitun
Stonerutltutl, a suburb of Natgrilitun.
Tlunhoshtun, said to have come from Umpqua. |
Population. (See
Chastacosta.) The census of 1910 returned 15 Mishikhwutmetunne under the
name Upper Coquille.
Modoc (See Modoc)
Molala. Derived from the name
of a creek in the Willamette Valley from which one of their bands drove
the original inhabitants. Also called:
Amolélish, by the Kalapuya.
Kúikni, by the Klamath.
Láti-u or La'tiwé,
their own name.
Ya'-ide'sta, by the Umpqua.
Connections. Together
with the Cayuse, the Molala constituted the Waiilatpuan division of the
Shapwailutan linguistic stock. According to Cayuse tradition, the Molala
formerly lived with them and were separated and driven westward in
consequence of wars with hostile tribes.
Location. At an
early date the Molala are believed to have been in the valley of the
Deschutes River and to have been driven west, as above intimated, into the
valleys of the Molala and Santiam Rivers. Either part of them subsequently
went south to the headwaters of Umpqua and Rogue Rivers or they were
separated from the rest in the movement above mentioned, as Berreman
(1937) thinks.
Subdivisions. The following are
said to have been Molala bands or settlements: Chakankni, on the
headwaters of Rogue River, northwest of Klamath Lake, absorbed later by
the neighboring tribes, particularly the Klamath. Chimbuiha, on the
headwaters of Santiam River. Mukanti, on the western slope of the Cascade
Mountains.
Population. Mooney (1928)
believes the Molala were still with the Cayuse in 1780, whose numbers he
fixes at about 500. In 1849 the Molala were estimated at 100. In 1877
Gatschet found several families living on the Grande Ronde Reservation,
and in 1881 there were said to be 20 individuals in the mountains west of
Klamath Lake. The census of 1910 returned 31, all but 6 of whom were in
Oregon. (See Cayuse.)
Connection in which they have
become noted. The Molala are note worthy in the first place for the
uniqueness of their language, which is closely related only to Cayuse.
Molalla River or Creek and a post village, both in Clackamas County, Oreg.,
bear the name.
Multnomah. Significance
unknown. Also called:
Wappato, originally the Cree or Chippewa name of a bulbous root (Sagittaria
variabilis) used as food by the Indians of the west and northwest It means
literally "white fungus." It passed into the Chinook jargon with the
meaning "potato" and became applied to Sauvies Island in Columbia River,
at the mouth of the Willamette, and the Indian tribes living on or near
it. It was so used by Lewis and Clark, though there was little or no
political connection between the numerous bands so designated.
Connections. The
Multnomah belonged to the Clackamas division of the Chinookan linguistic
stock.
Location. As above
indicated, on and near Sauvies Island.
Subdivisions or Bands
Cathlacomatup, on the south side of Sauvies
Island on a slough of Willamette
River.
Cathlacumup on the west bank of the lower mouth of the Willamette
River and
claiming as their territory the bank of the Columbia from there to Deer
Island.
Cathlanaquiah, on the southwest side of Sauvies Island.
Clahnaquah, on Sauvies Island.
Claninnata, on the southwest side of Sauvies Island.
Kathlaminimin, at the south end of Sauvies Island, later said to
have become
associated with the Cathlacumup and Nemoit.
Multnomah, on the upper end of Sauvies Island.
Nechacokee, on the south bank of Columbia River a few miles below
Quicksand
(Sandy) River.
Nemalquinner, at the falls of the Willamette but with a temporary
house on the
north end of Sauvies Island.
Shoto, on the north side of Columbia River, a short distance from
it and nearly
opposite the mouth of the Willamette.
Population. Mooney (1928)
gives the population of all of these bands of the Multnomah as 3,600 in
1780. Their descendants are probably included among the 315 Indians
returned as Chinook by the census of 1910. (See Clackamas.)
Connection in which they have
become noted. There is a county, town, and river channel of the name
in Oregon. The name "Wappato" secondarily applied to the Multnomah besides
its former use as a name of Sauvies Island, is given, with the spelling
Sapato, to a lake and place near Portland in Oregon-the latter in
Multnomah County, the former between Yamhill and Washington Counties and
to a place in the State of Washington.
Naltunnetunne, a small
Athapascan tribe between the Tututni and Chetco, apparently, included by
later writers under the former.
Nez Percé.
They extended into northeastern Oregon. (See Idaho.)
Paiute, Northern.
These people occupied the southeastern part of Oregon and formerly
extended far enough north to include the valley of Powder River and the
upper course of John Day River of which they were dispossessed by
Shahaptians. (See Nevada.)
Santiam. Significance
unknown. Also called:
Aha'lpam, by the Atfalati Kalapuya.
Connections. The Santiam
belonged to the Calapooya dialectic division of the Kalapooian linguistic
stock.
Population. (See
Calapooya.) In 1906 there were 23 Santiam on Grande Ronde Reservation. The
census of 1910 returned 9.
Connection in which they have
become noted. The name Santiam is perpetuated in Santiam River, a
branch of the Willamette.
Shasta. The Shasta extended
at least into the territory watered by Jenny Creek from their main seats
in California.
Siletz. Significance unknown.
Also called:
Tsä Shnádsh
amím, Luckiamute Kalapuya name.
Connections. The Siletz
belonged to the Salishan linguistic stock.
Location. On Siletz
River.
Population. Mooney (1928)
estimates the population of all of the Salishan tribes of Oregon as 1,500
in 1780. They are not now separately recorded, but in the census of 1930,
72 Salishan Indians were returned from Oregon besides the Tillamook.
Connections in which they
have become noted. The Siletz are of note as having been the
southernmost of the Salishan linguistic family. Siletz River and a post
village, both in Lincoln County, Oreg., preserve the name.
Siuslaw. Significance
unknown. Also called:
K'gu-gwic'tlnne, Naltunne name.
K'glo-gwec tQnn6, Chastacosta name.
Tsana-uta amfm, Luckiamute Kalapuya name.
Connections. The Siuslaw
belonged to the Siuslawan division of the Yakonan linguistic stock.
Location. On and near
Siuslaw River.
Villages
Dorsey (1884) gives the following:
Chimuksaich
Hauwiyat
Hilakwitiyus
Khachtais
Khaikuchum
Khaiyumitu
Khakhaich
Kwultsaiya
Kwunnumis
Kwuskwemus
Matsnikth
Paauwis |
Khalakw
Kumiyus
Kumkwu
Kupimithlta
Kuskussu
Kwsichichu (south of Eugene City).
Kwulhauunnich
Stthukhwich
Thlachaus
Thlekuaus
Tiekwachi
Tsatauwis |
Population. (See Alsea.) The census of 1910 reported 7 Siuslaw.
Connection
in which they have become noted. The name Siuslaw is preserved by Siuslaw
River, in Lane County, Oreg.
Skilloot. The Skilloot occupied part of Oregon opposite the mouth of
Cowlitz River. (See Washington.)
Snake. (See Northern Paiute under Nevada.)
Takelma. Own name, meaning "those dwelling along the river."
Kyu'-kŭtc hítclûm, Alsea name meaning "people far down the stream
(or country)."
Lowland Takelma, of Berreman (1937).
Na-tcté tûnnĕ, Naltunne name.
Rogue River Indians, from their habitat.
Connections. Together with the Latgawa, the Takelma constituted
the Takelman linguistic stock. It is possible that this is distantly
connected with the Shastan stock of northern California.
Location. On the middle course of Rogue River from above Illinois River to
about Grant's Pass and on the northern tributaries
of Rogue River between these limits and the upper course of Cow Creek;
also south nearly to the California boundary.
Villages
The following names were recorded by J. O. Dorsey mainly in one of the
Athapascan dialects of the region:
Hashkushtun, on the south side of Rogue River.
Hudedut, at the forks of Rogue River and Applegate River.
Kashtata, on the south side of Rogue River above Leaf Creek and Galice
Creek. Kthotaime, on the south side of Rogue River.
Nakila, on the south
side of Rogue River about 10 miles above Yaasitun. Salwahka, near the
mouth of Illinois River or one of its tributaries.
Seethltun, on the south
side of Rogue River, the village nearest the Chastacosta. Sestikustun, on
the south side of Rogue River.
Sewaathlchutun, ibid.
Shkashtun, ibid.
Skanowethltunne, ibid.
Talmamiche, ibid.
Talotunne, ibid.
Tthowache, on the south side of Rogue River near "Deep
Rock".
Yaasitun, on the south side of Rogue River.
Yushlali, ibid. |
The following names, probably covering in part the same towns, were
recorded by Dr. Edward Sapir in 1906, and are enumerated from the Latgawa
country downstream:
Hatil, east of Table Rock.
Gelyalk, below Table Rock.
Dilomi, near the falls of Rogue River.
Gwenpunk.
Hayaalbalsda.
Daktgamik.
Didalam, on the present site of Grant's Pass, the county seat of Josephine
County.
Daktsasin or Daldanik, on Rogue River near Jump Off Joe Creek.
Hagwal, on Cow Creek.
Somouluk.
Hatonk. |
Population. Mooney (1928) estimates the entire Takilman stock at 500 in
1780. Only 1 was returned under that name by the census of 1910, but under
the general head of "Rogue River" the Indian Office Report for 1937 gives
two bodies of Indians numbering 58 and 46 individuals, respectively.
Connection in which they have become noted. Together with the Latgawa, the
Takelma are remarkable for the peculiarity of their language, accentuated
by the fact that they are almost entirely surrounded by Athapascan
peoples. A post village called Takilma in Josephine County, Oreg.,
perpetuates the name.
Taltushtuntude. Own name, meaning unknown. Also called:
Galice Creek Indians, from their habitat.
Kû-līs'-kitc_hītc'lûm, Alsea
name.
Connections. The Taltushtuntude belonged to the Athapascan linguistic
stock, and spoke the same dialect as the Dakubetede but culturally had
become assimilated with the Takelma.
Location. On Galice Creek.
Population. In 1856, 18 Taltushtuntude were reported living on the Siletz
Reservation. Under the name "Galice Creek" 42 Indians were reported in
1937.
Tenino. Significance unknown. Also called:
Mĕli'-lĕma, own name.
Warm Springs Indians, the common official designation.
Connections. The Tenino constituted a division of the Shahaptian branch of
the Shapwailutan linguistic stock.
Subdivisions and Villages
Kowasayee, on the north bank of Columbia River nearly opposite the mouth
of
the Umatilla.
Ochechote or Uchichol, on the north bank of Columbia River, the exact
region
being uncertain though they derive their name from a rock near the mouth
of
the Deschutes River.
Skinpah, on the north bank of Columbia River above the mouth of the
Deschutes.
Tapanash, on the north bank of Columbia River, near the mouth
of the Deschutes
and a little above Celilo, the name being later extended over most of the
above
bands.
Tilkuni, between White and Warm Springs Reservations.
TukspuAh on John Day River, and hence called often John Day Indians.
Wahopum, on the north bank of Columbia River near the mouth of Olive
Creek. Waiam, near the mouth of the Deschutes River. |
History. The Tenino were mentioned by Lewis and Clark in 1805. By the
treaty of 1855 they gave up their lands and settled, along with other
Shahaptian tribes and some Salishan tribes, on Yakima Reservation,
Washington. Since then they have not had separate official recognition.
Population. Mooney (1928) estimated that in 1780 there were 3,600
including the Atanum of the Yakima and the Tyigh. The United States Office
of Indian Affairs reported 460 in 1937 of the Yakima and associated bands.
Connection in which they have become noted. A town in Thurston County,
Wash., perpetuates the name.
Tillamook. A Chinook term meaning "people of Nekelim (or Nehalem). Also spelled Calamox, Gillamooks, Killamook, etc.
Higgahaldahu, Nestucca name.
Kyaukw, Alsea name.
Nsietshawas, so called by Hale (1846).
Si ni'-tĕ-lǐ, Mishikwutmetunne name for this tribe and the Alsea, meaning "flatheads."
Connections. The Tillamook were the principal tribe in Oregon belonging to
the Salishan linguistic family, coastal division.
Location. The coast from the Nehalem to Salmon River.
Subdivisions and
Villages
Nehalem, on Nehalem River.
Nestucca, on Nestucca Bay and the streams flowing into it. Salmon River,
on the river of that name.
Tillamook, on Tillamook Bay and the streams flowing into it, including the
following villages enumerated by Lewis and Clark:
Chishucks (at the mouth
of
Tillamook River),
Chucktin (the southernmost Tillamook village, on a creek
emptying into Tillamook Bay),
Kilherhursh (at the entrance of Tillamook
Bay),
Kilherner (on Tillamook Bay, at the mouth of a creek 2 miles from
Kilherhursh),
Towerquotten (on a creek emptying into Tillamook Bay). |
Population. See Siletz. Lewis and Clark estimated 2,200
Tillamook in 1805. In the reports of the Wilkes Exploring Expedition
(1845) their number is given as 400, and by Lane in 1849 as 200. The
census of 1910 returned 25, and that of 1930, 12.
Connection in which they have become noted. The Tillamook seem to have
been the most powerful tribe on the coast of Oregon. A bay, and also a
county and its capital in the former country of the tribe preserve the
name; also a cape, Tillamook Head.
Tututni. Meaning unknown. Also called:
H'lilush, Nestucca name.
Lower Rogue River Indians, or Rogue River Indians, from their habitat.
Talemaya, Umpqua name.
Ta-qu'-gflc-cis, Chetco name, meaning "northern language."
Connections. The Tututni belonged to the Athapascan linguistic stock, and
were related closely with the Mishikhwutmetunne.
Location. On lower Rogue River and the Pacific coast north and south of
its mouth.
Villages
J. O. Dorsey (1884) gave the following villages or bands:
On the north coast of Rogue River:
Chemetunne, popularly called Joshuas, just north of Rogue River.
Kaltsergheatunne, at Port Orford.
Kosotshe, between Port Orford and Sixes Creek, perhaps earlier on Flores
Creek. Kwatami, on or near Sixes River.
Kthukwuttunne.
Kthutetmeseetuttun, just north of Rogue River.
Kwusathlkhuntunne, said to have been at the mouth of Mussel Creek, 5 miles
south of Mount Humbug.
Natutshltunne, between Coquille River and Flores Creek.
Niletunne, the first village south of the Miluk village of Nasumi, south
of Coquille River.
Yukichetunne, on Euchre Creek. |
On Rogue River:
Chetlesiyetunne, on the north side.
Enitunne, near the mouth of a southern affluent of Rogue River.
Etaatthetunne.
Kunechuta.
Kushetunne, on the north side.
Mikonotunne, on the north side 14 miles from its mouth.
Nakatkhaitunne, on
the north side of Rogue River.
Targheliichetunne, on the north side.
Targhutthotunne, near the coast.
Testthitun, on the north side.
Thechuntunne, on the north side.
Thethlkhttunne, or Chastacosta, on the north side. |
On or near the coast south of Rogue River:
Aanetun.
Chetleschantunne, on Pistol River and the headlands from the coast 6 miles
south of Rogue River.
Khainanaitetunne.
Kheerghia, about 25 miles south of Pistol River.
Khwaishtunnetunne, near the mouth of a small stream locally called Wish
tenatin, after the name of the settlement, that enters the Pacific about
10
miles south of Pistol River, at a place later known as Hustenate.
Natthutunne, on the south side of Rogue River.
Nuchumatuntunne, on the north side of Rogue River near the mouth.
Sentethltun, on the south side of Rogue River and perhaps at its mouth.
Skumeme, on the south side of Rogue River near its mouth.
Tsetintunne, the highest of 4 villages on a stream emptying into Rogue
River
near its mouth.
Tsetuttunne. |
Drucker (1937) gives the following village names:
On Rogue River:
Gwi'sat huntun, on Mussel Creek near Sixes River and sometimes separated
as
the Sixes tribe.
Kusu'me, on what is now called Flores Creek.
Kwataime, a short distance
north of last.
Kwuse'tun, near and possibly a suburb of Megwinb'tun, on the coast.
Megwino'tun, a few miles up river.
Skame'me, between Pistol River and mouth of Rogue River; Waterman places
it at Hunter's Creek.
Sukwe'me or Sukwe'tce, at mouth of Sixes River.
Tagrili'tun, a suburb of
Tu'tutun.
Tce'metun or Tce'me, really two towns, one on each side of the river's
mouth. Tce'tlersh tcuntun, on Pistol River, perhaps belonging to the
Chetco.
Tu'tutun, 5 to 6 miles from the river's mouth, divided into two
parts called
Tatre'tun, "downriver," and Na'gutretun "upriver."
Yukwe'tce or Yu'gwitce,
on what is now called Euchre Creek. |
Berreman (1937) makes seven major divisions as follows:
Kwatami or Sixes
River; Euchre Creek (Yukichetunne);
Mikono tunne;
Pistol River (Chetleschantunne);
Joshua;
Tututunne (Tututni);
Kwaishtunne
Khustenete.
Population. (See Chastacosta.) In 1854 the Tututni population was 1,311.
The census of 1910 returned 383, but in 1930 the United States Indian
Office gave only 41 under this name, 55 under that of "Meguenodon" (see
above), and 45 under that of "Joshua" (Tce'metun).
Tyigh. Significance unknown. Also spelled Attayes, Iyich, Ta-ih, Thy, Tyh,
etc.
Teéχtkni, or Télknikni, Klamath name.
Tsĕ Amínĕma, Luckiamute Kalapuya name.
Connections. The Tyigh belonged to the Tenino branch of the Shahaptian
division of the Shapwailutan linguistic stock.
Location. The country about Tygh and White Rivers.
Subdivisions and Villages.
No names are recorded.
History. The history of the Tyigh was identical with that of the Tenino.
Population. With the other Oregon tribes of the Tenino group, the Tyigh
numbered 1,400 in 1780 according to Mooney's (1928) estimate. In 1854 they
were said to number 500 and in 1859, 450; but both of these figures must
be overestimates. They are not now enumerated separately from the Warm
Spring Indians, placed at 550 by the census of 1910.
Connection in which they have
become noted. Tygh Creek and a place called
Tygh Valley in Wasco County, Oreg., bears the name of the Tyigh.
Umatilla. Significance unknown.
Connections. The Umatilla belonged to the Shahaptian division of the
Shapwailutan linguistic stock.
Location. On Umatilla River and the banks of Columbia River adjacent to
the mouth of the Umatilla.
Population. Mooney (1928) estimates this tribe and the Walla
Walla together
at 1,500 in 1780. The census of 1910 returned 272, the United States
Indian Office Report for 1923, 145, and the Indian Office Report for 1937,
124.
Connections in which they have become noted. An Indian reservation has
received the name Umatilla, and it has also been applied to a river, a
county, and a post village, all in Oregon; also to a place in Lake County,
Fla.
Umpqua. Significance unknown.
Amgútsuish, Shasta name.
Cactan'-qwût-me'tûnne, Naltunne name.
Ci-cta'-qwŭt-me'tûnnĕ, Tututni name, meaning "Umpqua River people."
Ci-sta'-qwût, Chastacosta name.
Etnémitane, own name (Gatschet, 1877).
Tsan Ámpkua amín, Luckiamute Kalapuya name, meaning "people on the
Umpqua."
Upper Umpqua, Berreman (1937).
Yangalá‘, Takelma name.
Connections. The Umpqua belonged to the Athapascan linguistic stock.
Location. On upper Umpqua River, east of the Kuitsh.
Subdivisions. The Umpqua on Cow Creek are often spoken of separately under the name
Nahankhuotana. Parker (1840) mentions a people called Palakahu which was
probably an Athapascan or Yakonan tribe but cannot now be identified, and
also the Skoton and Chasta, probably parts of the Chastacosta or Tututni.
This is
all the more likely as he includes the Kwatami band of the Tututni and the
entirely independent Chilula of California. Their chief village was Hewut.
Population. (See Dakubetede.) Hale (1846) says that in his time the Umpqua
were supposed to number not more than 400. In 1902 there were 84 on Grande
Ronde Reservation. The census of 1910 returned 109. In 1937, 43 Indians
are given under this name. (See Chastacosta and Dakubetede.)
Connection in which they have become noted. Umpqua River, and the
settlement of Umpqua or Umpqua Ferry in Douglas County, preserve the name.
Wallawalla. The Wallawalla extended somewhat into northeastern Oregon.
(See Washington.)
Walpapi. Significance unknown. Commonly called Snakes. A part of the
Northern Paiute. (See under Nevada.)
Wasco. From a native word wacq!ó, "cup or small bowl of horn," the
reference being to a cup-shaped rock a short distance from the main
village of the tribe; from this the tribal name Gałasq'ó, "those
that have the cup," is derived and variations of it frequently appear in
the literature. Also called:
Afúlakin, by the Kalapuya.
Ámpχänkni, meaning "where the water is," by the Klamath.
Awásko ammim, by
the Kalapuya.
Sáχlatks, by the Molala.
Connections. They belonged to the upstream branch of the Chinookan
linguistic stock, their closest relatives being the Wishram on the
opposite side of the river.
Location. In the neighborhood of The Dalles, in the present Wasco County.
Villages and Fishing Stations.
The following are given by Sapir (1930) in order from east to west:
Hlgahacha, Igiskhis, Wasco (a few miles above the present town of The
Dalles), Wogupan, Natlalalaik, Gawobumat, Hliekala-imadik, Wikatk,
Watsokus, Winkwot (at The Dalles), Hlilwaihldik, Hliapkenu/n, Kabala,
Gayahisitik, Itkumahlemkt, Hlgaktahlk, Tgahu, Hliluktik, Gahientlich,
Gechgechak, Skhlalis.
Population. Morse (1822) estimated the number of Wasco at 900. The census
of 1910 returned 242, and the United States Office of Indian Affairs, 227
in 1937. (See Clackamas and Watlala.)
Connections in which they have become noted. The Wasco were the strongest
Upper Chinook tribe and that which ultimately absorbed the rest. The name
is preserved by Wasco County, Oreg., and a town in Sherman County in the
same State; also places in Kern County, Calif., and Kane County, Ill.
Watlala. Significance of word is unknown. Also called:
Cascade Indians, the popular English name.
Gila'xicatck, by the Chinook.
Katlagakya, own name.
Shahala, from Chinook saxala, meaning "above," by Chinook.
Connections. The Watlala belonged to the Chinookan linguistic stock and
the Clackamas dialectic group.
Location. At the Cascades of Columbia River and extending down to the
mouth of the Willamette River.
Subdivisions. The following names have been applied by various writers to the Indians in
this neighborhood and may be subdivisions of this tribe, or perhaps refer
to the entire tribe itself:
Cathlakaheckit, at the Cascades.
Cathlathlala, just below the Cascades.
Clahclellah, near the foot of the Cascades.
Neerchokioon, on the south side of Columbia River a few miles above
Sauvies Island.
Washougal, near Quicksand River.
Yehuh, just above the Cascades.
Population. Mooney (1928) estimates that the Watlala and the Wasco
together numbered 3,200 in 1780. In 1805-6 Lewis and Clark estimated that
there were 2,800. In 1812 the two first-mentioned bands were estimated to
number 1,400. They are no longer enumerated separately and are probably
incorporated at the present time with the Wishram and the Wasco.
Yahuskin. One of the two chief peoples in Oregon belonging to the Northern
Paiute division of the Shoshonean and therefore Uto-Aztecan linguistic
stock. (See Nevada.)
Yamel. Significance unknown, often spelled Yam Hill. Also called:
Ychă-yamel-amirn, by the Atfalati Kalapuya.
Connections. The Yamel belonged, along with the Atfalati, to the northern
dialectic division of the Kalapooian linguistic stock.
Location. Yamhill
River.
Subdivisions.
Gatschet (1877) records these as follows:
Andshankualth, on a western tributary of the Willamette.
Andshimmampak, on
Yamhill River.
Chamifu, in the forks of Yamhill River.
Chamiwi, on Yamhill River.
Champikle, on Dallas (La Creole) Creek.
Chinchal, on Dallas Creek.
Population. (See Calapooya.) The census of 1910 returned 5 Yamel.
Connection in which they have become noted. The name of the Yamel, in the
form Yamhill, is perpetuated by an affluent of the Willamette and by the
county through which it flows.
Yaquina (See
Yaquina)
Yoncalla. From Ayankeld, or Tch'Ayanke'ld, "those living at Ayankeld," own
name.
Connections. The Yoncalla were the southernmost tribe of the Kalapooian
linguistic stock, forming one of the three dialectic divisions.
Location. On Elk and Calapooya Creeks, tributaries of Umpqua
River.
Subdivisions.
According to Gatschet (1887), there were two bands, called Chayankeld and
Tsantokayu by the Luckiamute, but it seems likely that the former name
(Tell' Ayanke'ld) is merely the native tribal name.
Population. (See Calapooya.) The census of 1910 returned 11
Yoncalla.
Connection in which they have become noted. Yoncalla, a post village of
Douglas County, Oreg., preserves the name.
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