Tag: Bush Park

Ethnobotany, Native Issues, Willamette ValleyLeave a comment

Camas Journal May 2, 2022

David G. Lewis, PhD

I revisited Bush Park today to tour the other areas of camas. I began at the “Picnic” area, south side of the park at its upper level and worked my way own to the flower garden area. For years Willamette Students and teachers have been restoring and tending to this area that used to be full of blackberry brambles. Now its mostly oak trees, camas and low bushes, snowberries, that overlay much of the area. The camas is thick under and on all sides of the snowberries. I wish there had been some variety in the berry plants they planted … Continue reading Camas Journal May 2, 2022

eastern oregon, Oregon indians, UncategorizedLeave a comment

War Against the Paiutes, Eastern Oregon 1867-68

David G. Lewis, PhD

Previously in my posts, I have noted details of the history and culture Paiute peoples of the Great Basin, mainly eastern Oregon. These peoples were hundreds of tribes and bands in Oregon, Nevada, Idaho, California and the surrounding Great basin areas. They were so numerous we may never know the full extent of their collective territories. The bands and tribes operated as autonomous political organizations, sometimes they had alliances with other bands. They are variously called Snake Indians, Bannock, Northern Paiute, or Shoshone in articles and publications. The major settlement of Paiute territory really begins in earnest in the 1860s … Continue reading War Against the Paiutes, Eastern Oregon 1867-68

Uncategorized, Willamette Valley3 Comments

Tcha-Mikiti: Camas-Ville 2015

David G. Lewis, PhD

  Its now a tradition, part of my culture. Perhaps five years ago I began noticing and stopping at the camas fields in Salem. The best camas fields are those at Bush Park and at the State Fairgrounds south parking lots of Sunnyview Rd and 17th. Little did I know but Salem, formerly called Chemeketa (tcha mikiti), was the main village of the Halpam Kalapuya tribe. The people (amim), harvested many camas (ti’p) in this area. This was well known camas place for many years, and tribes would travel from all around to dig camas, and rushes for basketry. The … Continue reading Tcha-Mikiti: Camas-Ville 2015

Uncategorized, Willamette ValleyLeave a comment

Bush Park and Camas

David G. Lewis, PhD

I grew up in and around Salem, and never thought of the city as a place where native culture still exists. Some years ago I discovered that camas still exists inside the city limits at various parks and open spaces. For a few years now I have been visiting the Park in Salem in around May and taking photos of the camas there. The camas there is very well established and Salem parks makes sure to not mow until the camas has gone to seed. The adventure begins at the northside parking lot, under the oaks, and continues toward the … Continue reading Bush Park and Camas