Kikiallus people facts for kids
| kikiyalus | |
|---|---|
Kikiallus territory around 1855, showing the locations of their known villages.
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| Languages | |
| Lushootseed, English | |
| Religion | |
| Traditional tribal religion and Christianity, including forms that blend different beliefs. | |
| Related ethnic groups | |
| Swinomish people, Lower Skagit people, Upper Skagit people, other Coast Salish peoples |
The Kikiallus (pronounced kik-i-YAL-us) are a Native American people from the western part of Washington state. They are one of the many groups that make up the Coast Salish peoples and have a rich history connected to the lands around the Skagit River.
Today, the descendants of the Kikiallus are mainly enrolled members of the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community, a tribe that is officially recognized by the United States government. The Swinomish community is made up of four main historical groups, and the Kikiallus are one of them.
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Kikiallus Homelands and Villages
The traditional territory of the Kikiallus people was a beautiful area along the South Fork of the Skagit River. Their lands also included the northern part of Camano Island and some areas on Whidbey Island.
Their main settlement was a village called kikiyalusali, which means "Kikiallus place." This village was located near the modern town of Conway. In the mid-1800s, it was a bustling community with four large wooden homes known as longhouses. The Kikiallus also had other important villages, including one where the two forks of the Skagit River meet.
Language and Culture
The traditional language of the Kikiallus is Lushootseed. For many years, the use of Lushootseed declined, and most members now speak English. However, the language is still very important to their culture and is used in special ceremonies.
Today, the Swinomish tribe and other Coast Salish groups are working hard to bring the Lushootseed language back into everyday life. These language revitalization programs help younger generations connect with their heritage.
The Treaty of Point Elliott
A major event in Kikiallus history was the Treaty of Point Elliott in 1855. A treaty is a formal agreement between different groups. In this case, it was between several Native American tribes and the U.S. government. The Kikiallus leader who signed the treaty was named Sdzomahtl.
After the treaty was signed, life changed for the Kikiallus. Most of them moved to the Swinomish Reservation. This move was a difficult but important part of their history.
The Kikiallus Through the Years
The Kikiallus people have always worked to protect their community and rights.
- In 1916, a man named John Lyons represented the Kikiallus in a lawsuit against the U.S. government to make sure the promises made in the treaty were kept.
- In the 1920s, a man named Bill Jake was the chief of the Kikiallus.
- In 1950, Alfanso Sampson, a member of the Swinomish tribe, was elected as the Kikiallus chief, showing that the Kikiallus people continued to have their own leaders within the larger Swinomish community.
