Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians facts for kids
Drawing of an Umpqua man
|
|
| Total population | |
|---|---|
| ≈ 1300 (2020s) | |
| 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 tribes. They are officially recognized by the United States government. This means they have a special relationship with the government. The confederation includes the Hanis Coos, Miluk Coos, Lower Umpqua (also called Kuitsh), and Siuslaw peoples. They live in the state of Oregon. Being "confederated" means these different tribes joined together to work as one government.
Contents
Tribal Lands
The lands and service area of these Confederated Tribes cover a large region. This area spans five counties in Oregon. These counties are Coos, Curry, Lincoln, Douglas, and Lane.
Tribal Government
The main office for the Confederated Tribes is in Coos Bay, Oregon. The tribe is led by a general council. This council is chosen through democratic elections. Members of the council serve for four years. The tribal chief serves for ten years. The tribal government leadership includes:
- Chief: Doug Barrett
- Chairman: Brad Kneaper
- Vice-chair: Teresa Spangler
- Councilperson: Julie Siestreem
- Councilperson: Iliana Montiel
- Councilperson: Debbie Bossley
- Councilperson: Ashley Russell
Languages and Culture
Today, most members of the Confederated Tribes speak English. In the past, they spoke their traditional languages. These included the Coos language and the Siuslaw language. The Siuslaw language had two main forms: Siuslaw and Kuitsh dialects. It is also known as a language isolate. This means it is not clearly related to any other known language family. The tribe now has a special program. They are working hard to bring back and teach the Coos and Siuslaw languages.
Economic Activities
The Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw own and run several businesses. These businesses help support the tribe and its members.
- Three Rivers Resort is a large entertainment facility. It is located in Florence, Oregon.
- Three Rivers Casino is another entertainment facility. It is in the Empire District of Coos Bay, Oregon.
- Blue Earth Services and Technology is a company that provides various services.
A Look at Their History
The tribes first met Europeans around the year 1792. In 1828, there were conflicts between the Lower Umpqua (Kuitsh) people and newcomers. This included a group led by Jedediah Smith. In 1838, they also had conflicts with the Hudson's Bay Company. Sadly, many tribal members passed away due to new diseases. These diseases arrived with Europeans.
Later, in 1860, remaining members of these tribes and others were moved. They were settled onto the Siletz Reservation. This reservation was later divided into three parts. One part was opened for non-Native people to settle. Another part became the Alsea Reservation. This too was opened for non-Native settlement in 1875.
The Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw officially formed in 1916. They created their first constitution in 1938. Their current constitution was approved in 1987.
