Coquille Indian Tribe facts for kids
| Regions with significant populations | |
|---|---|
| Coos County, Oregon | |
| Languages | |
| English, Miluk, Upper Coquille (Nuu-wee-ya), Chinuk Wawa, Spanish | |
| Related ethnic groups | |
| Lower Rogue River Athabascan |
The Coquille Indian Tribe (pronounced KOH-kwel) is a federally recognized Native American tribe. They are part of the Coquille people who have traditionally lived along the southern Oregon Coast in the United States.
Contents
History of the Coquille Tribe
Early Times and Settlers
For many years, the Coquille people lived peacefully on the southern Oregon Coast. They had their own villages and ways of life. But starting in the mid-1800s, things began to change. More settlers and miners came to the Oregon Territory. Sadly, there were conflicts between the newcomers and the Native American tribes. In 1854, a group of miners attacked a Coquille village near what is now Bandon, Oregon. Many people were killed, and their homes were burned.
Treaty with the United States
In 1855, a man named Joel Palmer, who worked for the U.S. government, made a special agreement called a treaty with the Coquille and nearby tribes. This treaty was supposed to set aside a large area of land, about 125 miles (201 km) of coastline, for the tribes to live on. This area was called the Coastal Indian Reservation.
In 1856, the Coquille people were forced to move to this reservation. However, the U.S. Congress never officially approved the treaty. Life on the reservation was hard due to sickness and too many people living in a small area. Over time, the reservation became much smaller. Many Coquille people eventually returned to their traditional homelands. They continued to fight for their rights and for the U.S. government to recognize the 1855 treaty.
Losing and Regaining Recognition
Later, the U.S. government stopped recognizing many Native American tribes, including the Coquille. This was part of a plan called the Western Oregon Indian Termination Act. It meant the tribes lost their special status and many rights.
But in 1989, the Coquille Tribe worked hard and finally regained its federal recognition. This was a huge victory! With recognition came tribal sovereignty. This means the tribe has the right to govern itself, make its own laws, and manage its own lands and businesses.
What Does "Coquille" Mean?
The name "Coquille" comes from a native word for "lamprey." Lamprey are a type of fish that was an important food for the tribe. When European settlers heard the word, they tried to say it, and it sounded like "KOH-kwel." They later spelled it "Coquille," which is a French word for "shell."
Today, the town of Coquille, Oregon and the Coquille River are pronounced "koh-KEEL." But the tribe still uses the older pronunciation, "KOH-kwel," for their name.
Coquille Indian Reservation Lands
The Coquille people are also recognized by the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians. This larger group is based in Siletz, Oregon, and some Coquille people live on the Siletz Reservation.
In 1996, the U.S. Congress passed a law that gave the Coquille Tribe its own reservation area. This land totals about 6,512 acres (26 km2). These lands are not all connected but are spread out in different parts of southern Coos County, Oregon. Some parts of towns like Bandon, Coos Bay, and North Bend are on Coquille reservation lands. In 2000, about 258 people lived on the reservation.
Managing the Coquille Forest
In 1996, the Coquille Tribe also got back about 5,400 acres of forest land in Coos County. This area is called the Coquille Forest. It was officially put into trust for the Tribe in 1998.
The Coquille Tribe manages this forest in a very special way. They follow strict rules to protect the environment, similar to how federal forests are managed. The Coquille Forest is known for being a great example of how to manage forests for both environmental health and economic benefits. They have even received a special certification for being environmentally sound and sustainable.
The tribe also works with the U.S. government to try new ways of managing the forest. For example, they are testing new methods to harvest timber that also help the forest stay healthy.
Coquille Tribal Government
The Coquille Indian Tribe has its own government, which is located in North Bend, Oregon. As a sovereign nation, the tribe makes its own decisions for its people and lands.
The Coquille Indian Tribe Library has a lot of information about the Coquille Tribe and other tribes in southwest Oregon. It's a great place to learn more about their history and culture.
Coquille Tribe's Economy
The Coquille Tribe owns several businesses that help support the tribe and its members. One of their main businesses is The Mill Casino • Hotel in Coos Bay. They also own ORCA Communications, which is a company that provides telecommunication services.
In 2012, the tribe announced plans to open another casino in Medford, Oregon. They bought a bowling alley for this project and are also leasing a nearby golf course. These businesses help create jobs and bring money to the tribe, which they use for community services and programs.
