Tag: nestucca

General History, Oral History, Oregon Coast, Oregon indiansLeave a comment

Nestucca Accounts of the Great Fire of 1845 and First Encounters with White Men

David G. Lewis, PhD

There are numerous oral histories from tribal people in Oregon about catastrophic events, fires, volcanic eruptions, floods, tsunamis. Many of these stories are fantastically imagined and are likely stories of long ago historic events. These stories feature giant animals and figures like Coyote who is consistently tricking humans in some manner, and the action of tricking helps humans learn the lessons of Coyote. Stories in Oregon of creation and earth changes many-times feature Beaver who is pursuing his role of creating ecosystems on river systems. Coyote and Beaver fighting together, in Wasco and Wishram oral histories, created the Columbia Gorge, … Continue reading Nestucca Accounts of the Great Fire of 1845 and First Encounters with White Men

General History, Oregon Coast, Oregon indians2 Comments

Oregon Native Place Names in the U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey, Part 2

David G. Lewis, PhD

The next section map of the coastline, (770c) begins with Cascade Head and ends at the Cape Meares. Every major feature of the Coast has a Native name. It is likely that some of these native names are preserved on earlier maps. It is also likely that Native peoples on the coast were consulted about the names of various features. The remaining villages in this area was a small settlement of Native peoples at Nehalem (Tillamook) and the people collected at the Salmon River Encampment. Many of the people at the encampment were from the northern coast, yet nearly all … Continue reading Oregon Native Place Names in the U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey, Part 2

General History, Grand Ronde Reservation, Oregon indians2 Comments

Stagaush Tribes remove to Salmon River: Excerpts from a History of the Little Nestucca

David G. Lewis, PhD

The manuscript- a History of the Little Nestucca is a book-length essay at the Oregon Historical Society Library. It appears to be completely unpublished. The author Alexandra Ley Rock, was none too generous towards her characterizations of the tribes. Regardless, there are many interesting cultural tidbits in her narrative and some great information about the conditions at the Grand Ronde Indian Reservation. Her focus, on the travel routes and supplies to the Little Nestucca area, outlines on the amenities at the reservation and ignores munch of the situation and condition of the tribes. Dave Leno, whom she mentions several times, … Continue reading Stagaush Tribes remove to Salmon River: Excerpts from a History of the Little Nestucca