Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians facts for kids
Drawing of an Umpqua man
|
|
| Total population | |
|---|---|
| 526 (1990s) | |
| Regions with significant populations | |
 United States( Oregon) |
|
| Languages | |
| English, formerly Coos, Siuslaw, and Kuitsh (Lower Umpqua) | |
| Religion | |
| Traditional Tribal Religion | |
| Related ethnic groups | |
| Other Coos, Lower Umpqua, and Siuslaw people |
The Confederated Tribes of the Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians of Oregon is a group of Native American people. They are officially recognized by the United States government. This tribe is made up of several smaller groups: the Hanis Coos, Miluk Coos, Lower Umpqua (also called Kuitsh), and Siuslaw people. They live in the state of Oregon.
Where They Live
The Confederated Tribes of the Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians live in a large area. This area covers five counties in Oregon. These counties are Coos, Curry, Lincoln, Douglas, and Lane.
Languages Spoken
Today, members of the Confederated Tribes mostly speak English. In the past, they spoke the Coos language and the Siuslaw language. The Siuslaw language had two main ways of speaking, called dialects: Siuslaw and Kuitsh. These languages are unique and not closely related to other languages. The tribe now has a special program. They are working hard to bring back and teach the Coos and Siuslaw languages.
How They Earn a Living
The Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw run several businesses. These businesses help support the tribe and its members.
- Three Rivers Resort, a large entertainment center in Florence, Oregon.
- Three Rivers Casino, another entertainment center located in Coos Bay, Oregon.
- Blue Earth Services and Technology, a company that provides services and technology.
Tribal History
The tribes did not meet Europeans until 1792. This was a very important moment in their history. In 1828, some Lower Umpqua (Kuitsh) people had a conflict with members of the Jedediah Smith Party. Later, in 1838, they also attacked a fort belonging to the Hudson's Bay Company.
After Europeans arrived, many people from the tribes became sick. Sadly, most of their population died from new diseases. In 1860, the remaining people from these tribes were forced to move. They had to go to the Siletz Reservation. This reservation was later divided into three parts. One part was opened for people who were not Native American to settle there. Another part became the Alsea Reservation, which was also opened for non-Native settlement in 1875.
The Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw officially came together in 1916. They created their first set of rules, called a constitution, in 1938. They updated and approved their current constitution in 1987.
