Finding Chief Kamiakin

The Life and Legacy of a Northwest Patriot
Erscheinungsjahr 2008
ISBN: 978-0-87422-297-5
Verlag: Washington State University Press

Buch, Englisch, 288 Seiten, Paperback, Format (B × H): 206 mm x 267 mm, Gewicht: 916 g

Born to T'siyiak, a champion horse racer and Com-mus-ni, the daughter of Chief Wiyáwiikt, Kamiakin helped relatives tend his family's rapidly expanding herds. He wintered in tule mat lodges in the Kittitas and Ahtanum valleys, shared in spring root gathering, went salmon fishing in the summer, and participated in fall hunting and berry picking. The young Indian also learned ancestral traditions. Alone as an adolescent on the treacherous, icy heights of Mount Rainier, he dreamt of the Buffalo's power and completed his quest for a spirit guide. Muscular and sinewy, he became a skilled horse racer and competitor in feats of agility. He married and established his home on Ahtanum Creek, where he raised potatoes, squash, pumpkins, and corn in large, irrigated gardens.As Kamiakin matured, he became more prominent among the Yakamas; leaders of both Sahaptin and Salish tribes often sought his counsel. Through personal aptitude as well as family bonds, he emerged as one of the region's most influential chiefs. He cautiously welcomed White newcomers and sought to learn beneficial aspects of their culture. His dignified manner and attire impressed both soldiers and missionaries.In the 1850s, the arrival of unprecedented numbers of White immigrants incited a cataclysmic upheaval that would threaten the very existence of the Plateau's native people. On May 29, 1855, the Walla Walla Council commenced with a brief meeting attended by some 5,000 Indians, including Chief Kamiakin. Two weeks later, with great reluctance, he signed the Yakima Treaty of 1855. He also resolved to fight against the destruction of his people and desecrations upon the land. Finding Chief Kamiakin is his story.

Autoren/Hrsg.

Scheuerman, Richard D

Finley, Michael O

Weitere Mitwirkende

Clement, John

Inhaltsverzeichnis

IntroductionForewordPrefaceA Note
PrologueChapter 1: Rocks that GlistenChapter 2: A Highly Desirable FieldChapter 3: Peace and FriendshipChapter 4: Common CauseChapter 5: Forests Must FallChapter 6: Lake of FireChapter 7: Home in the HillsChapter 8: Deceived and DesertedChapter 9: Salmon Out of WaterChapter 10: Travois on the TrailChapter 11: Artists and AuthorsChapter 12: Rivers RiseChapter 13: The Essence of LifeEpilogue
Family LineagesChapter NotesBibliographyIndexThe Authors and Photographer

Über Autor(innen)

Richard D. Scheuerman is a professor at Seattle Pacific University. Michael O. Finley, a professional historian, is a cultural adviser and member of the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Indian Reservation.