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Ilchee, A Powerful Chinook Woman

The river known to the Chinook Indians as Hyas Cooley Chuck collides with the Pacific Ocean to create the worst wave conditions on the planet. While Native people regularly crossed the Bar in their large ocean-going canoes, the rough water stopped many of the early European explorers who were looking for the mythical River of … Continued

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A collection of Plateau Indian artifacts (photo diary)

The East Benton County Museum in Kennewick, Washington, has a number of American Indian artifacts from the Plateau culture area on display. The East Benton County Museum is shown above. Shown above are some examples of bead and shell necklaces and beadwork. The photograph above shows Indians fishing on the Columbia River before the dams … Continued

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Christians and Indians in 1818

During the nineteenth century, the policy of the United States government was to encourage, and sometimes require, the conversion of American Indians to Christianity. Christianity was seen as a key element in “civilizing” American Indians and thus, the American government not only encouraged Christian missionaries, Indian agents actively discouraged the practice of traditional Indian ceremonies. … Continued

Christians and Indians

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American Indians 350 Years Ago, 1669

In 1669, the impact of the European invasion was being felt by Indian nations throughout North America. The European explorers were attempting to discover what they viewed as a wilderness, following Indian trails with Indian guides, and ignoring any possibility of Indian claims to the land. European missionaries sought to convert Indians to Christianity, ignoring … Continued

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Mayor Pete Muldoon Replaces Trump/Pence Picture with Shoshone Chief Washakie at Town Hall

https://www.google.com/search?q=Shoshone+Chief+Washakie&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiM1dCR_LzUAhUE2GMKHXqMC-kQ_AUICygC&biw=1366&bih=662#imgrc=qn_AcJbA5VgYlM: Despite the sentiment behind Washakie’s photo in Town Hall, using it as a replacement for President Trump is seen by some people as disrespectful. I challenge the idea it is “disrespectful,” when Trump supporters mean disloyal. Traditionally government buildings are adorned with pictures of the United States’ chief executives. Mayor Pete Muldoon, however, recently … Continued

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The Cherokee in 1817

When the Europeans began their invasion of the Americas, the Cherokee were an agricultural people whose villages could be found throughout the American Southeast. By the first part of the nineteenth century, the Cherokees had had enough experience in dealing with the American government that they understood that they needed to have a unified government. … Continued

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American Indians in 1717

The fur trade was an important part of the economic history of North America and incorporated American Indian economies into a larger world economy. Furs were valuable, easily portable, and renewable resources. The prime furs—marten, otter, fox—were sold at high prices in the European and Chinese markets. Of less value, but still profitable, were pelts … Continued

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Federal Indian Policy in 1817

In 1817, James Monroe became the new President of the United States. In his book The Removal of the Choctaw Indians, Arthur DeRosier writes: “America embarked upon a period of intense nationalism which completely dominated Monroe’s administration.” Arthur DeRosier goes on to say: “The changing attitudes of the period affected even the handling of the … Continued