The Cowlitz Indian Tribe

The Cowlitz Indian Tribe. . Centuries ago, long before the first Europeans came to the Northwest, the Cowlitz Indian Tribe, among others. lived along the Columbia River. The rich resources of the landscape have been managed for thousands of years by the Cowlitz, enhancing the reciprocity between each resource and harvester, enabling the Cowlitx People to flourish as they continue to steward the landscape with their complex traditional culture. , The Way of Life , The complex way resources were seasonally and locally available derived a complex web of village to village trade relations, marriage traditions, and social commitments. These reinforced reciprocity generally between the People. Reciprocity meant that resources were given and shared between groups and families. The most honored person was the one who gave the most away. , Vital Resources , Many tribes in the Northwest rely on the cedar tree as an integral part of life. The tree serves as a symbol of generosity and is associated with prayer, healing, and protection against diseases. Cedar is strong and malleable, making it perfect for weaving hats, baskets, and traditional regalia. Each basket was created for a specific purpose, some for gathering, storing, and preparing food and some were used for storage and trading. , River Runs Deep , For thousands of years, the landscapes of the lower Columbia River have provided the Indigenous People living along the shore with the ability to flourish. The River, known to ancestors of the modern Cowlitz Indian Tribe as tâ'kulutsen, is home to the finned people that return from the ocean such as the steelhead, the eulachon, and the species of salmon. Her wetlands are filled with the winged people: ducks, geese, and swans. Her floodplains are filled with the plant families that provide nutrition and important weaving and basketry materials, such as cattail and tule. Her riverbanks have been perfect for villages and the water taught the people when and how to travel, in regard to the tide, season and weather.