All about the ancient tribes
The tribal membership now consists of 824 individuals, excluding those who have gone over to the historic rolls.
Coquille Indians have a long history and strong relationship to the land and waters of what is now Southwest Oregon’s coastal area, which dates back thousands of years.
The Coquille people are creative and hardworking, and many of its members’ artwork and workmanship can be seen in museums, galleries, and exhibitions all over the world, demonstrating their abilities. Woodworking, painting, sketching, glass blowing, regalia construction, weaving, and beading are some of the artistic disciplines practiced by our members.
Known as Upper Coquille, (Lower) Rogue River, and Nuu-wee-ya, Tututni (Dotodni, alternatively ‘Tutudin’), Upper Coquille, (Lower) Rogue River, and Nuu-wee-ya, Tututni (Dotodni, alternatively ‘Tutudin’) is an Athabaskan language previously spoken by three
Our ancestors have resided at this location from the beginning of time, according to our stories. Archaeologists have discovered evidence of human presence in the area that dates back at least 14 thousand years. This lengthy history connects us to the lands and waterways of southern Oregon for the rest of our lives.
Berries and nuts, root plants, fish, sea and land animals, and shellfish provided a bountiful and diverse food for the people of this region.Forests served many of our ancestors’ other needs in addition to providing them with nutrition.Natural materials such as wood were used to make tools and utensils by indigenous people, who typically burned the wood first to increase its hardness and endurance.
Men hunted and fished, and women foraged for berries, roots, and nuts, respectively. In addition, they had a nutrient-dense diet that included fish, game, sea bird eggs, and other delectables. Skins from deer and elk were used to make clothing and blankets for the Native Americans. Conifers, grasses, and other plants were used to weave baskets, which were made from a variety of materials.
In most cases, permanent Coquille communities comprised of dwellings constructed of timbers and boards, with each house housing a single family group or clan. Near abundant year-round food sources, the majority of permanent communities could be found. The abundance of food along the estuary shorelines and protected coastal coves made canoe cruising simple.
Early treaties referred to the tribe as ″Coquille,″ which is written the same way as the French word for shell. After a city of that name was founded, the pronunciation of the word changed from ″ko-kwel″ to ″ko-keel,″ which is more accurate. (According to reports, local retailers wanted to sound more upscale.)
They signed treaties with the Confederated Tribes of the Siletz Indians in 1851 and 1855 and were relocated to the Confederated Tribes of the Siletz Indian Reservation. Evan Cunningham was the first non-Native resident in the area, and he participated in the Coquille Guard, a local militia, during the Rogue River War in 1855, when tensions erupted in the area during the Rogue River War.
Deputy Superintendent of Indian Affairs is Joel Palmer. Between the United States of America and the Nez Perce Tribe of Indians, a treaty was signed in 1868. The agreement was reached on June 9, 1863; ratification was requested on April 17, 1867; and the agreement was promulgated on April 20, 1867.
The Coquille Indian Tribe owns the Mill Casino Hotel & RV Park, which is located on their reservation. We are located on Highway 101 in the city of North Bend, in the state of Oregon.