The Siuslaw people trace their ancestry back to the indigenous inhabitants of the south-central coast of Oregon.
The history, geography, traditions, and language of the Siuslaw people are closely related to the Lower Umpqua and Coos people. The Siuslaw people spoke the Siuslawan language.
The traditional lands of the Siuslaw people extended from the forested slopes of the Coastal Range to the rocky shores of the Pacific Ocean, an area larger than one and a half acres that included the estuaries of the Siuslaw, Umpqua, and Coos rivers, with its rugged cliffs, open beaches, sand dunes, and vegetated mountainsides.
The Siuslaw people lived along the Siuslaw River watershed. Traditionally, the Siuslaw people lived in cedar plank homes and had a social structure based on wealth that was measured in dentalium shells, woodpecker scalps, abalone shells, grey pine seeds, and clamshell disks, which were used as currency. Within each Siuslaw village, the chief was the wealthiest man, and he was obliged to use his wealth for the benefit of the people, who, in turn, brought him food and gifts.
Villages were autonomous, and most of the people in any given village were related to one another by blood or marriage. Social contact between villages was common, both for socializing, marriage, and trade.
Men were responsible for hunting, fishing, and crafting, while the women of a village would gather berries, roots, clams, other edible plants, and bird eggs. They were also skilled basket weavers. Women also processed hides, dried meat, and prepared foods. In the summer, it was common for villages to relocate to the surrounding mountains for game. Siuslaw men, in particular, would navigate the rivers and mountain ridge trails to trade with other villages.
Today, the Siuslaw people are members of the Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua, and Siuslaw Indians, which is recognized by the federal government. They continue to inhabit their ancestral lands and are active in cultural preservation and environmental stewardship.
Topics related to the Siuslaw people, including its tribal government, programs, businesses, enterprises, schools, medical facilities, or events, are appropriate for this portion of our web guise, along with businesses or other entities owned and operated by Siuslaw individuals.
Recommended Resources
Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua, and Siuslaw Indians
The Confederate Tribes is a federally recognized Amerian Indian tribe of Hanis Coos, Miluk Coos, Lower Umpqua, and Siuslaw people. Its service area includes a five-county area spanning Coos, Curry, Douglas, Lane, and Lincoln counties and is headquartered in Coos Bay, Oregon. The tribe's governmental structure, council, enrollment policies, tribal police, tribal court, departments, and member programs and services are set forth, along with tribal businesses, events, and contacts.
https://ctclusi.org/
Located at the corner of 2nd and Maple, one block off of Highway 101 on Maple or two blocks north of Bay Street, in Florence, Oregon, the museum features exhibits showing life in Florence and the Siuslaw region before white settlers made their way to the area up through the 1950s. Its location, museum hours, admission charges, and contacts are set forth, along with information about memberships, support opportunities, and events. Its research and oral history projects are included.
https://www.siuslawpioneermuseum.com/
The Siuslaw Watershed Council is a non-profit organization dedicated to the Siuslaw watershed's restoration, protection, and stewardship. Established in 1995, the Council's focus is on a total watershed approach to natural resource management and production, promoting sound economic, social, and environmental use of natural and human resources. While not specifically a tribal project, there is a collaborative effort to restore habitat to benefit both fish and people.
https://www.siuslaw.org/
The casino and resort, which has locations in Florence and Coos Bay, Oregon, is owned and operated by the Confederated Tribes of the Coos, Lower Umpqua, and Siuslaw Indians. The site publishes its locations, gaming operations, sportsbook, and promotional offers, as well as its hotel and recreational vehicle accommodations, restaurants, and golf facilities. Local attractions are highlighted, career opportunities are posted, and contact information is included.
https://www.threeriverscasino.com/
Established in 2011 to serve as the charitable arm of the Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua, and Siuslaw Indians and the Three Rivers Casino Resort, the Foundation seeks to enhance the health and welfare of the land and people of the tribes' historical homelands. It will also entertain funding applications for projects that have a statewide impact and those impacting Native Americans in Oregon. Grant information and an online application are available.
https://threeriversfoundation.org/
