Kathlamet

Kathlamet is a Native American tribe that historically resided in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States. The tribe is known for its rich cultural heritage, including its unique language, traditions, and medicine practices.

History

The Kathlamet tribe was one of the Lower Chinook tribes that lived along the Columbia River, specifically in the area now known as Wahkiakum County, Washington. They were first documented by the Lewis and Clark Expedition in 1805, but their history extends far beyond this encounter.

Language

The Kathlamet language is a member of the Chinookan language family. It was traditionally spoken by the Kathlamet people and is now considered extinct. Efforts are being made to revive the language through the study of historical documents and recordings.

Culture

The Kathlamet tribe had a rich cultural heritage, with unique traditions, mythology, and social structures. They were known for their potlatch ceremonies, where wealth was redistributed among the community.

Medicine

Traditional Kathlamet medicine involved the use of local plants and herbs for healing. These practices were deeply intertwined with their spiritual beliefs and rituals.

Modern Day

Today, the descendants of the Kathlamet tribe are primarily members of the Confederated Tribes of the Chehalis Reservation and the Chinook Indian Nation, which includes five Chinookan tribes.

See Also

• Chinookan peoples
• Native American medicine
• Lewis and Clark Expedition

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