
Finding Chief Kamiakin
The Life and Legacy of a Northwest Patriot
Washington State University Press
Will be published approx. on 3. November 2008
Book
Paperback/Softback
288 pages
978-0-87422-297-5 (ISBN)
Description
Born to T'siyiak, a champion horse racer and Com-mus-ni, the daughter of Chief Wiyawiikt, 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.
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.
More details
Language
English
Place of publication
Pullman, WA
United States
Product notice
Paperback (trade)
Dimensions
Height: 267 mm
Width: 206 mm
Thickness: 15 mm
Weight
916 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-87422-297-5 (9780874222975)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Persons
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.
Content
IntroductionForeword
Preface
A Note
Prologue
Chapter 1: Rocks that Glisten
Chapter 2: A Highly Desirable Field
Chapter 3: Peace and Friendship
Chapter 4: Common Cause
Chapter 5: Forests Must Fall
Chapter 6: Lake of Fire
Chapter 7: Home in the Hills
Chapter 8: Deceived and Deserted
Chapter 9: Salmon Out of Water
Chapter 10: Travois on the Trail
Chapter 11: Artists and Authors
Chapter 12: Rivers Rise
Chapter 13: The Essence of Life
Epilogue
Family Lineages
Chapter Notes
Bibliography
Index
The Authors and Photographer
Preface
A Note
Prologue
Chapter 1: Rocks that Glisten
Chapter 2: A Highly Desirable Field
Chapter 3: Peace and Friendship
Chapter 4: Common Cause
Chapter 5: Forests Must Fall
Chapter 6: Lake of Fire
Chapter 7: Home in the Hills
Chapter 8: Deceived and Deserted
Chapter 9: Salmon Out of Water
Chapter 10: Travois on the Trail
Chapter 11: Artists and Authors
Chapter 12: Rivers Rise
Chapter 13: The Essence of Life
Epilogue
Family Lineages
Chapter Notes
Bibliography
Index
The Authors and Photographer