Chow-its-hoot facts for kids

Chow-its-hoot (also known as Cha-wit-zit or Chowitsuit) was an important name among the Lummi people. It means "Strong Man." Many Lummi individuals carried this respected name.

What Was the Point Elliott Treaty?

The most famous person named Chow-its-hoot was a leader who signed the Treaty of Point Elliott in 1855. This treaty was an agreement between Native American tribes and the United States government. Chow-its-hoot was the third of 82 Native American leaders to sign it, including the famous Chief Seattle. He signed for his group of Lummi people from the southern area.

Chow-its-hoot's Family

Chief Chow-its-hoot did not have any children of his own. His father's name was Sa-hop-kan. He had a brother named Chil-luk, who passed away before him. Another brother, Sub-Chief T'see-leeq (also called Ts-elixw), was the father of Chief Henry Kwina and Clara. Clara later married John Alexander. Chow-its-hoot also had a third brother, Klut-wu-lum, who often served as his witness or listener.

What Are Potlatches?

Chow-its-hoot was sometimes called "the richest Lummi" because he owned many special fishing spots called reef net sites. He also hosted seven potlatches during his lifetime. A potlatch is a huge celebration where the host gives away almost all of their belongings. For tribes in the Pacific Northwest, potlatches were very important. A person's wealth was measured by how much they gave away, not by how much they kept. This showed their generosity and strength.

How Did Chow-its-hoot Earn Respect?

Because Chow-its-hoot was so generous, he gained a lot of respect among the Lummi people. Early settlers in Whatcom County thought he was the Chief of the Lummi Tribe. However, his own tribal members called him a "speaker." This meant he spoke on behalf of his people. Speakers would visit the wise women leaders of different clans. They would listen carefully to their concerns. Then, speakers were expected to share these concerns exactly as they heard them.

Naming Whatcom Falls and County

Chow-its-hoot became friends with Russell Peabody, one of the first non-Native settlers in the area. Peabody was looking for a waterfall where he could build a saw mill. Chow-its-hoot explained that the Lummi people did not have a word for "waterfall." Instead, they used the word "whatcom," which means "loud water" in the Lummi language. Chow-its-hoot then showed Peabody a waterfall that later became known as "Whatcom Falls." Peabody built the first saw mill there. The name "Whatcom" was also used for the county.

Chow-its-hoot's Passing

Chow-its-hoot and the Lummi people helped the first settlers survive in Whatcom County. He and Russell Peabody became close friends. According to Peabody's journals, Chow-its-hoot sent messages asking Peabody to visit him at his home on Portage Island. There, Chow-its-hoot told Peabody that some Haida people had taken his hair and performed a harmful ritual with it. Chow-its-hoot predicted his own death and called Peabody to Portage Island to say goodbye. Peabody did not believe him because Chow-its-hoot seemed healthy. However, Chow-its-hoot passed away soon after.

People Named After Chow-its-hoot

The name Chowitsuit is highly respected within both the Lummi and Nooksack Tribes. The late Damian Solomon, a Nooksack leader, carried this name. Later, the late Richard Solomon, a Lummi leader, also carried the name.

Chow-its-hoot's Symbol

Chow-its-hoot's symbol is made of three circles that form the shape of a triangle. Two of the three sides are connected by lines.

Chow-its-hoot's Legacy

There is a totem pole on the southeastern side of the Whatcom County courthouse. It shows Chow-its-hoot and his brother Klut-wu-lum guiding Russell Peabody in a canoe. This totem pole reminds us of their friendship and the help the Lummi people gave to the early settlers.