Quinault Indian Nation facts for kids
Quinault Indian Nation flag
|
|
| Total population | |
|---|---|
| 2,535 enrolled members (1999) | |
| Regions with significant populations | |
 United States ( Washington) |
|
| Languages | |
| English, formerly Quinault, Quileute, Cowlitz, Chinook | |
| Religion | |
| traditional tribal religion | |
| Related ethnic groups | |
| other Quinault, Queets, Quileute, Hoh, Chehalis, Cowlitz, and Chinook peoples |
The Quinault Indian Nation (often called QIN) is a group of Native American peoples. They include the Quinault, Queets, Quileute, Hoh, Chehalis, Chinook, and Cowlitz peoples. These groups are part of the Southwestern Coast Salish people. They are one of the many indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest Coast.
The Quinault Indian Nation lives in Washington state. Their home is on the Pacific coast of the Olympic Peninsula. Other related groups also live in Washington and Oregon.
In 2016, the U.S. government offered money to landowners on the Quinault Reservation. This was part of a program to buy back land. The goal was to return land to the tribe. This program has helped give back about 1.5 million acres to tribes across the country.
Contents
Quinault Reservation: A Special Place
The Quinault Reservation was created in 1855. This happened when the Quinault people signed the Treaty of Olympia with the United States. This treaty is also known as the Quinault River Treaty.
The reservation is very large, covering about 208,150 acres. It also includes 23 miles of beautiful Pacific coastline. It is located on the southwestern part of the Olympic Peninsula. The Olympic National Park borders the reservation to the northwest. This park was first set up in 1909.
The reservation is found in Grays Harbor and Jefferson counties. It is about 45 miles north of Hoquiam, Washington. Three major rivers flow through the reservation: the Quinault, the Queets, and the Raft. The Quinault Indian Nation also owns Lake Quinault.
Taholah: The Main Village
Taholah is the biggest town on the Quinault Reservation. It is where the tribal government has its main offices. In 2015, the tribal government planned to move the village. They wanted to build a new village on higher ground. This move would protect people from possible tsunamis and floods.
Building the new village started in 2019. The first part of the new village opened in May 2021. It is a center for seniors and children. It is called the Generations Building.
Language and Culture
Today, most members of the Quinault Indian Nation speak English. In the past, tribal members also spoke other languages. These included Quileute, Cowlitz, and Chinook languages.
Economic Growth and Jobs
The Quinault Indian Nation runs several businesses. These include Quinault Pride Seafood, Land, and Timber Enterprises. They also own the Mercantile store in Taholah, Washington. The Nation manages its own facilities. Today, they are the largest employer in Grays Harbor County. This means they provide the most jobs in the area.
They also own and run the Quinault Beach Resort and Casino. This resort is a popular place for visitors. It includes Emily's Ocean Front Restaurant, a coffee bar, and other dining spots. The Nation also owns Qmart 1 in Oyehut and Qmart 2 in Aberdeen.
Since 2009, the casino has hosted the annual Hog Wild Rally. This is one of the biggest motorcycle rallies in the Pacific Northwest.
In June 2018, the Quinault Beach Resort and Casino finished a big renovation. They spent $25 million to update the resort. This project included new rooms, a larger gaming area, and a new buffet restaurant.
