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departments
Cultural Resources Department
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🌊 Department
Culture & Heritage
Supporting tribal citizens in exercising inherent rights — hunting, fishing, gathering, ceremony, trade and other culturally affiliated activities — while working to protect and revitalize the culture of the Cowlitz Indian Tribe.
Mission & Vision
Our Purpose
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 Cowlitz Indian Tribe's culture. We serve as guardians of the past and stewards for the generations yet to come.
Services
Programs & Services
Tribal Historic Preservation Office
THPO
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 work is supported through administrative processes — permit review, consultation with local, state, and federal agencies, and review of archaeological and environmental reports — as well as direct outreach with Tribal members, Tribal government officials, and public education programs.
Language Revitalization Program
Language
Re-awakening languages that have been resting. Languages emerge from the land and waterscapes of our homeland and are the breath of life from the Creator to the People. The first language being revitalized is Cowlitz Coast Salish.
Carving Program
Traditional Arts
Provides culturally relevant gifts for dignitaries and guests, and carves canoe paddles, shovel-nose canoes, and house poles for museums and interpretive centers. The Tribal Carver supports cultural gatherings and ceremonies including Salmon Ceremony, Smelt Ceremony, and Solstice Fire.
Culture Committees
Community
Community-led groups supporting cultural activities and gatherings:
- Cultural Resources Board
- Canoe Family
- Drum Group
- Powwow
- Weavers
- Huckleberry Camp
Resources
Related Resources
📚 Cowlitz Coast Salish Language Vocab Builder App → View resource 🤝 Language Revitalization Partnership with TLC → View resource 🌿 Overview of the Traditional Seasonal Round → View resource 🍇 Huckleberry Gathering → View resource ⛺ Ohanapecosh Campsite Reservations → View resource 🦅 Eagle Parts & Feathers — National Eagle Repository → View resource
Contact Cultural Resources
Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Irene Dunbar Program Assistant, Cultural Resources
Our Locations
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