Makah Reservation facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Makah Reservation
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Location in Washington
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| Tribe | Makah Tribe |
| Country | United States |
| State | Washington |
| County | Clallam |
| Headquarters | Neah Bay |
| Government | |
| • Body | Tribal Council |
| Population
(2017)
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| • Total | 1,559 |
| Website | makah.com |
The Makah Reservation is a special area of land for the Makah Native American people. It's located at the very northwestern tip of the Olympic Peninsula in Washington, United States. The reservation is bordered by the Strait of Juan de Fuca to the north and the Pacific Ocean to the west.
This reservation covers about 121.451 square kilometres (46.892 sq mi) of land. In 2000, about 1,356 people lived here. The biggest town on the reservation is Neah Bay. The Makah people were traditionally known for hunting whales, especially gray whales. Sometimes, they would travel far out to sea, even 100 miles, to find them.
In the early 1800s, about 2,000 Makah people lived near Cape Flattery. The Makah are the only group from the Wakashan language family who live in the United States today. Other groups from this family are First Nations people in Canada, on Vancouver Island, British Columbia. The Makah culture is very similar to other groups along the Pacific Northwest Coast.
In 1855, the Makah gave up most of their lands to the United States. They kept a small area on Cape Flattery as their reservation. Today, most of the 1,600 Makah people in the U.S. live on this reservation. A main source of income for the tribe comes from forestry. Visitors to the reservation who are not tribal members need to buy a pass to enter.
Contents
Makah History: Understanding the Past
What's in a Name: Makah Meanings
The Makah tribe originally called themselves "Kwih-dich-chuh-ahtx." This name means "people who live by the rocks and seagulls." However, their neighbors called them "Makah," which means "generous with food." This is the name most people use for the tribe today.
First Meetings: Non-Native Contact
The Makah people first met non-Native people in June 1788. This happened when a British trader, Captain John Meares, arrived near Cape Flattery. The Makah were not eager to trade with the British at first.
Ozette Village: A Buried Treasure
The Makah people used to live in many villages across the northwestern Olympic Peninsula. Five main villages were Waatch, Sooes, Deah, Ozette, and Bahaada.
Ozette was a very important village for the Makah. It was a popular place for whale hunting, which was a key food source. Around 1560 CE or 1700 CE, a big mudslide buried Ozette. It stayed hidden until about 1970, when a storm uncovered the village. Archaeologists, with help from Makah members and students, worked for years to carefully dig up and restore the village. This work taught them a lot about Makah culture and traditions.
The Neah Bay Treaty: Rights and Land
On January 31, 1855, Governor Isaac I. Stevens met with Makah leaders. He presented them with the Neah Bay Treaty. This treaty set aside the land that is now the Makah Reservation for the Makah people.
The treaty had many rules. One of the most important agreements was that it allowed the Makah to legally hunt whales. This makes it the only treaty between the United States and a tribe that allows whale hunting. By signing the treaty, the Makah gave up 300,000 acres of their land to the United States. In return, they received $30,000 each year and kept rights like whaling and sealing.
Makah Culture: Traditions and Art
Traditional Homes: Makah Architecture
The digging at the Ozette village showed what traditional Makah longhouses looked like. These homes were about 30 by 70 feet. They often had five different living areas, with a fire for cooking in the center of each room. The Makah people often moved with the seasons. So, their longhouses were built so that parts could be easily removed and used in other locations.
Carved Masks: Telling Stories in Wood
The Makah people are known for their traditional art. Many Makah members earn money from creating art. Carved masks are a popular art form. Carvers use wood and special patterns unique to their area. The carvings often show important parts of Makah culture. They are made to tell stories that are passed down through generations.
Whale Hunting: A Sacred Tradition
The Makah have always lived by the coast. Because of this, their traditional foods come from the ocean. Whales were especially important for the Makah diet and culture. Whale hunting is a special and central ritual for the Makah.
Makah hunters would spend weeks preparing themselves spiritually for the hunt. They would paddle out in canoes. The men would carefully watch the whales' breathing. They waited for the right moment to strike them with harpoons. After following steps to kill the whale, the hunters would bring it back to the village. There, the villagers would greet them with many praises.
Makah Geography: Land and Weather
Climate: Weather on the Reservation
Over the last ten years, temperatures on the Makah Reservation have usually been cool. They range from the mid-30s to the high 60s Fahrenheit. The area is generally humid, with humidity between 79% and 87%. It rains more in the winter and spring months. November, December, January, and March have the most rainy days.
Makah Population: Who Lives Here
The total recorded population on the reservation is 1,612 people. The average age is about 32.6 years. Most of the people are American Indian and Alaska Native, or White. About 120 people are Hispanic or Latino.
There are 118 individuals with veteran status. Most of them served in the Vietnam War or the Gulf War in the 1990s.
Education and Economy: Learning and Earning
Education: Learning for the Future
The Makah Language Program (MLP) is a special part of the education system. It teaches the traditional Makah language, Qʷi·qʷidiččaq, to students. This helps keep the language alive.
Out of 927 people aged twenty-five or older, 86.4% have finished high school. Also, 14.1% have earned a bachelor’s degree or higher.
The Makah Tribe's education department often gives scholarships to students living on the reservation. This is because these students are more likely to return and work for the tribe. Students are encouraged to study and work in areas that will help the tribe, like environmental sciences and fisheries.
Employment and Income: Working on the Reservation
The unemployment rate for people aged sixteen and older is 16.4%. The average income for Makah households is about $47,000 per year. When more tourists visit in the summer, more jobs become available for Makah members.
Popular tourist spots on the reservation also bring in a lot of money for the Makah. Visitors need to buy a "Recreation Permit" for twenty dollars to access these spots. This helps the tribe's economy.
Out of 605 employed people, 412 work in government jobs. Another 118 people work for private businesses.
Popular Attractions and Events: Fun Things to Do
Each year, the Makah celebrate "Makah Days." This event happens on the weekend closest to August 26. On June 2, 1924, the Makah officially gained the right to vote. However, they celebrate the anniversary of becoming United States citizens on August 26, 1913. The Makah Tribe organizes many events and shows for these days. They welcome everyone to celebrate with them.
Neah Bay Beaches, like Hobuck Beach and Shi-Shi Beach, are popular places for visitors. Hobuck Beach has the Hobuck Beach Resort for guests. Visitors can also enjoy events like the Hobuck Hoedown. Shi-Shi Beach is famous for its 2.5-mile trail, which offers many beautiful sights.
The Cape Flattery Trail is another well-known trail on the Makah Reservation. It has several viewing points. From here, you can clearly see Tatoosh Island, which is also part of the Makah Reservation.
The Makah Cultural and Research Center is the museum on the reservation. It opened in 1979. The museum holds many artifacts about Makah history and culture. Many items and exhibits come from the Ozette Archaeological Site. They show what traditional Makah life was like. There is an admission fee to enter the museum, which helps support its financial needs.
