The Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians held a significant powwow at the Chinook Winds Casino Resort in Lincoln City, Oregon, to celebrate not only their annual event but also the recent lifting of restrictions on their rights to hunt, fish, and gather. This milestone comes just two weeks after a federal court decision removed long-standing limitations that the tribe had opposed for decades.

Historical Context:

The Siletz Tribe, made up of over two dozen bands, originally inhabited a vast area across what is now western Oregon. In the 1850s, the federal government forced the tribe onto a reservation on the Oregon coast. However, in the 1950s and ’60s, as part of a policy known as “termination,” the U.S. government revoked federal recognition of over 100 tribes, including the Siletz. This led to the loss of millions of acres of land, as well as access to federal funding and services. The policy was aimed at assimilating Native Americans and reducing the financial burden on the U.S. government.

The Siletz Tribe, alongside the Menominee Tribe in Wisconsin, fought for years to regain federal recognition. In 1977, they succeeded, becoming the second tribe to do so. However, to reclaim a portion of their ancestral land (about 3,600 acres), the tribe had to accept a federal court order that restricted their hunting, fishing, and gathering rights—limitations that persisted for decades.

Lifting of Restrictions:

The restrictions imposed by the court settlement were harsh. Tribal members were limited in where and how they could hunt, fish, and gather for ceremonial and subsistence purposes, with caps on how many salmon, elk, and deer could be harvested annually. These limitations made it difficult for the tribe to provide for itself, leading to instances where they had to purchase salmon for ceremonies, and tribal members were even arrested for hunting and fishing violations.

However, after years of advocacy, the tribe’s rights have been restored. The state of Oregon and the U.S. government recognized that the original agreement was biased and distorted the tribe’s sovereignty and traditions. In a joint filing, they acknowledged the unfairness of the restrictions. In late 2024, a federal judge vacated the court order, and the tribe reached an agreement with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife to play a greater role in regulating their hunting and fishing.

Celebration and Hope for the Future:

During the powwow, tribal leaders like Chairman Delores Pigsley reflected on the past struggles and the immense significance of the decision. Pigsley expressed pride in the tribe’s restoration of rights and emphasized the importance of passing on traditional ways and culture to the next generation. The powwow was a celebration not only of the tribe’s achievements but also of the future and the younger members who are learning to carry on these traditions.

Tribal members like Tiffany Stuart, who participated in the powwow with her 3-year-old daughter, expressed the emotional weight of the occasion. Stuart’s daughter, Kwestaani Chuski, meaning “six butterflies” in the regional Athabaskan language, danced as part of a powerful gesture to honor those who can no longer dance, symbolizing the continuation of their heritage.

The lifting of these restrictions marks a critical turning point for the Siletz Tribe, allowing them to reclaim their rights and traditions, ensuring that they can provide for their families and maintain a connection to their ancestral practices. The tribe’s victory is seen as a moment of hope for future generations, ensuring that they can continue to practice their cultural traditions, including hunting, fishing, and gathering, which are central to their identity and well-being.