Chemakum
The Chemakum are a Native American tribe located in the Northwest Coast region of Washington State, primarily around Hadlock Bay and Port Townsend. Historically, they lived in a marine-oriented society, relying on fish and sea mammals as key food sources, and resided in a stockaded village along Chimacum Creek. Their cultural and linguistic ties are shared with the Quileute people of the same region. Unfortunately, the Chemakum population faced significant decline due to European American diseases and conflicts with neighboring tribes, such as the Clallam and Duwamish. By the mid-19th century, their numbers had dwindled, leading to their partial assimilation into other communities and relocation to the Skokomish Reservation.
Despite being thought extinct, Chemakum descendants continue to live in the Chimacum Valley area. Recent efforts aim to reclaim their heritage, with initiatives in place to revitalize their language and culture. In 2021, a photography exhibition highlighted the stories of Chemakum descendants, and in 2022, the formation of a Council was a significant step toward reaffirming their identity as a living nation and maintaining a connection to their ancestral lands.
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Chemakum
- CATEGORY: Tribe
- CULTURE AREA: Northwest Coast
- LANGUAGE GROUP: Chemakum or Chimakuan
- PRIMARY LOCATION: Hadlock Bay and Port Townsend, south to Port Gamble, Washington
Little is known of the Chemakum's life before contact with European Americans. They were a marine-oriented society and lived in a stockaded village on Chimacum Creek. The area was sometimes subject to drought, and fish and sea mammals were emphasized for food and various byproducts. The Chemakum had linguistic and cultural connections with the Quileute of the Northwest Coast culture area.
European American disease and intertribal warfare reduced the Chemakum population. They were reportedly aggressive and in conflict with the Clallam, Duwamish, Makah, Snohomish, and Twana. By 1850, it was apparent that their decline was partially attributable to assimilation by other ethnic groups. In 1855, part of the Point No Point Treaty placed them on the Skokomish Reservation. By 1860, there were only seventy-three surviving Chemakum; that same year, they dispersed north and relocated in eighteen lodges at Point Hudson, where they intermarried with the Clallam and Twana-Skokomish.
Although the Chemakum people were long believed to be extinct, their descendants still live in the Chimacum Valley area of Washington State. In 2021, a photography exhibition showcased portraits of Chemakum descendants. In 2022, the Chemakum formed a Council with the goal of reclaiming their history and culture, being recognized as a still-existing nation, and ensuring a connection to their ancestral lands. The Chemakum are also working to revitalize their language.
Bibliography
"Our History." The Chemakum Tribe, www.chemakum.org/our-history. Accessed 20 Oct. 2024.
Rogers, Audrey. "'Still Here' Chemakum Portrait Exhibit Shines." The Leader, 22 Apr. 2022, www.ptleader.com/stories/still-here-chemakum-portrait-exhibit-shines,82234. Accessed 20 Oct. 2024.
"Story and History Telling with Chemakum Tribal Elder - City of Port Townsend Washington." City of Port Townsend Public Library, ptpubliclibrary.org/library/page/story-and-history-telling-chemakum-tribal-elder. Accessed 20 Oct. 2024.