The Confederated Tribes of the Coos, Lower Umpqua, and Siuslaw Indians (CTCLUSI) represent a resilient and culturally rich collective of Indigenous peoples whose ancestral ties lie deeply rooted in the South-Central coast of Oregon. This confederation, a testament to enduring heritage and shared identity, comprises three distinct tribes, further divided into four bands: the Hanis Coos (Coos Proper), the Miluk Coos, the Lower Umpqua Tribe, and the Siuslaw Tribe. Each of these groups brings a unique history and cultural perspective to the larger tribal entity, contributing to the vibrant tapestry of the Confederated Tribes of the Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians.
A Legacy Etched in the Land
For countless generations, the ancestors of the CTCLUSI thrived in a region characterized by dramatic contrasts – from the densely forested slopes of the Coastal Range to the rugged Pacific shoreline. Their traditional territory, encompassing an estimated 1.6 million acres, provided sustenance, shelter, and a profound connection to the natural world. This vast landscape shaped their culture, economy, and spiritual beliefs, fostering a deep understanding of the intricate relationships between land, water, and all living things.
The Coos people themselves occupied the southwest Oregon Pacific Coast. The Hanis Coos, speakers of the Hanis dialect, primarily resided in the area now known as North Bend. Their Miluk-speaking relatives, the Miluk Coos, traditionally inhabited the South Slough region. To the north, the Lower Umpqua people established their communities along the Umpqua River, the very waterway that bears their name. Further north still, the Siuslaw Indians made their home along the banks of the Siuslaw River, completing the geographical mosaic of the confederation’s ancestral domain.
A History of Resilience: Treaties, Removal, and Restoration
The mid-19th century marked a period of profound upheaval for the Confederated Tribes of the Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians. In 1855, just prior to Oregon’s statehood, a treaty was proposed by the U.S. government, ostensibly to facilitate the peaceful acquisition and settlement of the Tribes’ ancestral lands. This treaty promised compensation in the form of food, clothing, employment, education, and healthcare in exchange for land cession. The three tribes, acting in good faith, agreed to the terms and patiently awaited ratification by the U.S. Senate.
However, their hopes were dashed as the federal government ultimately chose to disregard the treaty, leaving it unratified and the promises unfulfilled. This betrayal set the stage for a series of injustices that would test the resilience of the CTCLUSI.
Within a year of the unratified treaty, the Coos people were forcibly removed from their homes and marched to Fort Umpqua, a military installation where they were held as prisoners alongside the Lower Umpqua for four years. This initial confinement was followed by an even more arduous journey: a 60-mile trek north to a reservation on the Yachats River. This forced relocation, remembered as their "Trail of Tears," resulted in widespread suffering and death due to starvation, exposure, mistreatment, and exhaustion.
For 17 years, the Tribes endured harsh conditions on the Yachats reservation, where they were pressured to abandon their traditional culture in favor of agriculture on land ill-suited for farming. It is estimated that 50% of the tribal members perished during this period, a stark testament to the devastating impact of forced assimilation and neglect.
Despite these immense hardships, the spirit of the Confederated Tribes of the Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians remained unbroken. Even after the Yachats area was opened to white settlement in 1876, forcing many to return to their irrevocably altered homelands, they persevered. Those who remained sought work as laborers and harvesters, maintaining their tribal identity through monthly meetings and cultural celebrations. In 1916, they formalized their governance by establishing an elected tribal government, a structure that has endured to this day.
In 1941, a small parcel of land (6.12 acres) in Coos Bay was taken into trust by the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) for the Tribes. On this land, a Tribal Hall was built, providing a space for community gatherings, offices, and a medical clinic. This building remains in use today and is recognized on the National Register of Historic Places.
The late 1940s brought a new threat: the U.S. government’s push to terminate federal recognition of certain Indian tribes. Despite the CTCLUSI’s strong opposition to termination, they were included in the Western Oregon Termination Act of 1954, without their knowledge or consent.
Even after official termination, the Confederated Tribes of the Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians refused to relinquish their identity or their fight for recognition. They retained ownership of their small reservation and Tribal Hall, and continued to provide services to their members with limited resources.
Finally, on October 17, 1984, after years of tireless advocacy, President Ronald Reagan signed Public Law 98-481, restoring federal recognition to the Tribes. This landmark event marked a new chapter in their history, restoring their sovereignty and providing access to essential funding for education, housing, and healthcare programs.
Culture and Traditions
Prior to European contact, the Tribes lived in independent villages of cedar plank houses situated along the estuaries of the Siuslaw, Umpqua, and Coos rivers. Their society was characterized by a distinct social stratification based on wealth, with the village chief holding the highest position and responsible for using his wealth to benefit the community.
Subsistence was based on a hunter-gatherer lifestyle, with men responsible for hunting, fishing, and crafting tools, while women gathered berries and roots, processed food, and wove baskets. Food was shared throughout the village, ensuring that no one went hungry.
Spiritual beliefs were deeply intertwined with the natural world, with young people undertaking "spirit quests" to connect with their spiritual values and obtain a spiritual helper. Some would then embark on the path to becoming shamans, doctors, and ceremonial leaders.
Contemporary Life
Today, the Confederated Tribes of the Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians are a vibrant and self-governing nation dedicated to preserving their cultural heritage, promoting the well-being of their members, and contributing to the economic vitality of their region. The Tribes’ address is 1245 Fulton Avenue, Coos Bay, OR 97420. They can be reached by phone at 1-888-280-0726. Their official website, http://ctclusi.org/, provides further information about their programs, services, and history.
The CTCLUSI actively engage in cultural revitalization efforts, language preservation programs, and educational initiatives to ensure that future generations remain connected to their ancestral roots. They also operate a variety of economic enterprises, providing employment opportunities for tribal members and contributing to the local economy.
The story of the Confederated Tribes of the Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians is a testament to the enduring power of resilience, cultural identity, and the unwavering pursuit of justice. Their journey, marked by both profound hardship and remarkable triumph, serves as an inspiration to all who strive to overcome adversity and preserve their heritage for generations to come.