The Lower Elwha Tribal Community, a vibrant and historically significant nation, is a federally recognized tribe nestled in the heart of Washington state, within the breathtaking landscape of the Pacific Northwest. This resilient community is an integral part of the larger Klallam culture, itself a prominent branch of the Coast Salish peoples, who have thrived in this region for millennia. The Lower Elwha Tribal Community’s story is interwoven with the rivers, forests, and coastlines of the Olympic Peninsula, a narrative of adaptation, resilience, and a deep connection to the land.
A Legacy Rooted in the Land: Traditional Territory and Cultural Identity
The ancestral homeland of the Klallam people encompasses the northern and northeastern portions of the Olympic Peninsula in Washington State. Their traditional territory stretches approximately from the Hoko River eastward to the Strait of Juan de Fuca, a strategic location that allowed them to flourish as skilled fishermen, hunters, and gatherers. Numerous villages dotted this landscape, each serving as a center for community life, resource management, and the perpetuation of cultural traditions.
The Klallam people, including the Lower Elwha Tribal Community, possess a rich cultural heritage characterized by intricate artwork, elaborate ceremonies, and a profound respect for the natural world. Their connection to the land is not merely physical but spiritual, with ancestral stories and traditional practices deeply intertwined with the rhythms of the seasons and the abundance of the ecosystem.
The Tse-whit-zen Discovery: Unearthing a Past, Shaping the Future
A pivotal moment in the history of the Lower Elwha Tribal Community arrived in August 2003 with the discovery of Tse-whit-zen, an ancient Klallam village site. This remarkable find occurred during a construction project on former tribal land in Port Angeles. The significance of the nearly intact village, the presence of hundreds of human remains, and the recovery of thousands of artifacts led to the immediate cessation of the construction project.
Radiocarbon dating revealed that Tse-whit-zen had been inhabited for nearly 2,700 years, offering a tangible link to the deep history of the Klallam people. The Lower Elwha Klallam resided in the village until the 1930s when the federal government persuaded them to relocate outside the city to a reservation located four miles to the west. The state of Washington has since returned 10 acres of land to the Tribe and leased it another 6 acres, acknowledging the profound cultural and historical importance of the site. The discovery of Tse-whit-zen has served as a catalyst for cultural revitalization, education, and a renewed commitment to protecting ancestral sites.
Treaties, Reservations, and Modern Governance
The relationship between the Lower Elwha Tribal Community and the United States government is defined by the 1855 Point No Point Treaty. This treaty, like many others signed with Native American tribes, had a profound impact on the tribe’s land base, sovereignty, and self-determination.
Today, the Lower Elwha Tribal Community resides primarily on the Lower Elwha Reservation and on Off-Reservation Trust Land. The reservation, officially designated in 1968, is located at the mouth of the Elwha River. Tribal lands currently encompass approximately a thousand acres of land located on and near the Elwha River.
The tribal government operates under a constitution and is led by an elected council. This council is responsible for managing tribal affairs, overseeing programs and services, and representing the interests of the tribal membership. The government works to promote the well-being of its citizens through initiatives in education, healthcare, housing, economic development, and cultural preservation.
A Thriving Community: Population, Language, and Culture
As of 2007, the Lower Elwha Tribal Community had 776 enrolled members, with 112 residing on the reservation. The tribe has specific enrollment requirements, which are determined by the tribal government and outlined in its constitution.
The Klallam language, a member of the Salishan language family, is a vital component of the Lower Elwha Tribal Community’s cultural identity. Efforts are underway to revitalize and preserve the language, which has faced significant challenges due to historical assimilation policies. Adeline Smith (1918-2013), a dedicated language advocate, collaborated with a linguist to develop the Klallam language alphabet and the first Klallam dictionary, published in 2012. She contributed 12,000 words and phrases to the dictionary, becoming its main source. These efforts represent a significant step in ensuring the survival of this precious cultural treasure.
The Lower Elwha Tribal Community shares close kinship ties with other Klallam tribes, including those located in British Columbia, Canada. These connections underscore the shared history, language, and cultural heritage of the Klallam people. They are also related to the Sook and other Tribes of British Columbia, and to most of the Tribes of the Puget Sound Area.
Resilience in the Face of Change: The Elwha River Restoration
The history of the Lower Elwha Tribal Community is intimately connected to the Elwha River, a waterway that has sustained them for generations. The construction of two dams on the lower Elwha River in the early 20th century had devastating consequences for the river’s ecosystem, particularly its salmon runs, a cornerstone of the tribal diet and economy. By the late 20th century, the number of salmon returning to the river had plummeted from nearly 400,000 to less than 4,000.
Recognizing the urgent need for restoration, the Lower Elwha Tribal Community spearheaded a decades-long effort to remove the dams and restore the Elwha River to its natural state. They collaborated with environmental organizations, government agencies, and other stakeholders to advocate for dam removal and ecosystem restoration. This collaborative effort culminated in the passage of the 1992 Elwha River Ecosystem and Fisheries Restoration Act, paving the way for the largest dam removal project in history.
Between 2011 and 2014, the Elwha and Glines Canyon dams were dismantled, allowing the river to flow freely for the first time in over a century. This historic event has had a profound impact on the river’s ecology, leading to the recovery of salmon runs, the restoration of habitat, and the revitalization of the river’s delta.
As lands were revealed, in August 2012 the tribe rediscovered their long-submerged sacred creation site near the river. In addition, an archeological site has been found along the river with artifacts revealing 8,000 years of human habitation. The Elwha River restoration project stands as a testament to the resilience, determination, and commitment of the Lower Elwha Tribal Community to environmental stewardship.
The Lower Elwha Tribal Community is a vibrant and resilient nation, deeply rooted in the history and culture of the Pacific Northwest. Their story is one of adaptation, perseverance, and a unwavering commitment to preserving their heritage for future generations. From the rediscovery of Tse-whit-zen to the successful restoration of the Elwha River, the Lower Elwha Tribal Community continues to shape its own destiny and contribute to the rich tapestry of Native American cultures in the United States.