| Coquille Tribe to hold 2-day celebration in Bandon
By Geneva Miller
Staff Writer
This weekend, for the first time in 13 years, the Coquille Indian Tribe will host traditional festivities in Bandon, including a short canoe journey, salmon bake, music, dancing and special speakers.
The Coquille 20 Year Restoration Day Celebration, June 27 and 28, commemorates the last two decades in the tribe’s long history.
The tribe last held a Restoration Day celebration in Bandon in 1996. Many residents still speak fondly of the tribe’s clam bakes. Tribal Chairman Ed Metcalf said it doesn’t seem possible that 13 years have passed since the last clam bake in Bandon.
“We wanted to go back to Bandon for this one because that’s where we started,” said Metcalf. “We’re excited about being there.”
Historically, the tribe made its home in and near present day Bandon, along the Coquille River. Celebrations the last several years were held on the Coquille Reservation, east of Coos Bay. The reservation, with its housing development, health center and long house, is one of the primary developments the tribe has undertaken since restoration in 1989.
In 1954, the federal government terminated its recognition of 61 Native American tribes in Oregon, including the Coquille, ceasing government assistance and revoking property rights. Coquille Tribe Activities and Events Coordinator Denise Hunter says tribes were expected to disband and silently assimilate into mainstream, English speaking society. During the 1980s, those Coquille tribal members who were able to stay in Coos County began working toward restoration.
“We began meeting in homes,” said Metcalf, “passing the hat to raise money.”
Tribal Council member Sharon Parrish says the same people always contributed. Parrish documented all tribal members, including those who had relocated to other states. The group sought support from state representatives. By 1987, they had raised the necessary money, through contributions and grants, and gathered enough signatures to take their case to Washington, D.C. Eleven tribal members, including children visited the nation’s capital where they addressed committees and lobbyists.
“What was impressive was to be able to take our children and have them talk to various groups,” said Parrish. “We wanted our rights back, our Native American rights back, who we were as a people. We’re here, and we’ve never left.”
With restoration in 1989 came federal recognition, restoration of tribal land rights, and autonomy. Parrish says many of the tribal members she met over long distance telephone calls came to Bandon to celebrate the first restoration anniversary in 1990.
“They were amazed what the tribe had done in its first year,” said Parrish.
The Coquille Tribe now operates several businesses in Coos County, including the Mill Casino-Hotel, Heritage Place, and an organic cranberry farm. Metcalf notes that the tribe is presently the second largest employer in the county. But he says the health care clinic and education programs are the tribe’s highest priorities.
In planning the 20th anniversary celebration, Hunter said the city of Bandon, especially manager Matt Winkel and Mayor Mary Schamehorn, have offered the tribe enthusiastic support.
The public is invited to share in the Restoration Celebration. Activities begin at 9:30 on Saturday and Sunday at the Bandon Community Center. Hunter expects the canoes to paddle into the Old Town marina starting at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday. Salmon, provided by Columbia river tribes, corn on the cob and fry bread will be sold in the park from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. for $10.50 per person.
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