History

Nuu-wee-ya’, “our language,” or “our words,” is a term that describes the many dialects of southwest Oregon Dene.

History

In the 1840s, the region came under settler-colonial control of the United States and Nuu-wee-ya’-speaking people endured a series of hardships and injustices, including genocidal violence, dispossession, and forced removals to several distinct reservation communities.


Today, while there are heritage speakers of Tututni and Galice, there are no known first- language speakers still living. In the community of Xaa-wan’-k’wvt (Smith River, CA), Loren Me’-lash-ne Bommelyn has used the Tolowa dialect since childhood, and he worked closely with elders to document Tolowa and create a dictionary of Tolowa. Across several tribal communities, many learner-speakers of Tolowa and Tututni are participating in revitalization efforts, which include home-based revitalization using methods such as language nesting, tribal language programs, second language offerings at local schools, grassroots speaking groups, online classes, and independent work by community activists. Revitalization of Galice is also beginning to blossom. 


Several federally-recognized tribal governments are home to citizens from Nuu-wee-ya’ speaking tribal bands. These include the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians, Tolowa Dee-ni’ Nation, The Coquille Indian Tribe, the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde Community of Oregon, Elk Valley Rancheria, and Trinidad Rancheria. Some of our people managed to escape removal and remain in our homelands. Some of these descendents remain in our homelands, and may not have federal tribal status. One such community is the Confederated Tribes of the Lower Rogue. 


Given our rich and complicated history, and the recent upheavals we’ve faced as a people, our history can be hard to access. We invite folks to read more about our perspectives on our history and identity.



Who We Are

A LIVING HISTORY

TIMELINE

Through oral histories, archaeology, and community memory, we honor the past and protect the future.

Time Immemorial

Before colonization, communities lived in harmony with the land and waters at the mouth of the Rogue River. Generations fished the salmon runs, held seasonal gatherings, and honored the rhythms of the natural world. Stones like the one pictured still carry markings and memories of that deep and enduring connection.

Encroachment & Resilience

European ships begin arriving along the Oregon coast. Despite increasing threats, the Tututni people continued thriving through trade, ceremony, and seasonal gathering practices. Oral histories and traditional ecological knowledge passed through generations continued to protect the land.

Rogue River Wars & Removal (1850s)

With the influx of settlers, violence erupted across Curry County. The Rogue River Wars led to the forced removal of the Chametunne people to the Coast Reservation in Siletz. Still, families survived. Some remained hidden or returned. Stories of resilience live on in the descendants who remain.

Return & Remembrance

his land remembers. So do we.

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FOR OUR CHILDREN, THEIR CHILDREN AND THEIR CHILDREN


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