Cultural Resources Department

Mission/Vision :

The Cultural Resources Department’s role is to support tribal citizens in exercising inherent rights —hunting, fishing, gathering, ceremony, trade and other culturally affiliated activities—while working to protect and support revitalization of the Cowlitz Indian Tribe’s culture.

Services & Programs :

• Tribal Historic Preservation Office : Our THPO Office is engaged in the identification, protection, and preservation of historic and sacred sites, landmarks, and traditional properties or landscapes of interest to the Cowlitz Indian Tribe.This is done not only through administrative processes, such as permit review, consultation with local, state, and federal agencies, and review of archaeological and environmental reports, but also through direct outreach with Tribal members, Tribal government officials, and various public programs for education and presentation of information to our Tribal community and the public when appropriate.
• Language Revitalization Program : The goal of our Language Revitalization Program is to re-awaken (revitalize) our languages which have been resting.  We understand that languages emerge from the land and waterscapes of our homeland and are the breath of life from the Creator to the People.  The first of our languages we are revitalizing is Cowlitz Coast Salish.  
• Carving Program : The Cowlitz Carving Department provides culturally relevant gifts for Cowlitz dignitaries and guests, in addition to carving canoe paddles, shovel-nose canoes and house poles for museums and interpretive centers The Tribal Carver also supports cultural gatherings and ceremonies e.g., fires for Salmon Ceremony, Smelt Ceremony, Solstice Fire etc.  
• Culture Committees
  • Cultural Resources Board 
  • Canoe Family 
  • Drum Group 
  • PowWow 
  • Weavers 
  • Huckleberry Camp

1. Cowlitz Coast Salish Language Vocab Builder App
2. Cowlitz Coast Salish Language Revitalization in partnership with The Language Conservancy (TLC)
3. Overview of the Traditional Seasonal Round
4. Huckleberry Gathering
5. Ohanapecosh Campsite Reservations
6. Ordering Eagle Parts and Feathers from the National Eagle Repository