CHINOOK

Indians of the Northwest Pacific Coast of North America who lived along the lower Columbia River from its mouth to The Dalles, Ore., and spoke Chinookan languages. The Chinook were famous as traders, with connections stretching as far as the Great Plains. Their location facilitated contact with northern and southern coastal peoples, as well as with interior groups. The river was a rich source of salmon, the basis of the economy of the area, and many groups traded with the Chinook for dried fish. Other important trade items were slaves from California, Nootka canoes, and the highly valued dentalium shells. Chinook Jargon, the trade language of the Northwest Coast, was a combination of Chinook with Nootka and other Indian, English, and French terms. The jargon may have originated in aboriginal times; it was used from California to Alaska after contact with American and British fur traders. The Chinook were first described by the U.S. explorers Lewis and Clark, who contacted them in 1805. Because white civilization severely disrupted Chinook culture, ultimately removing the people to reservations, most of the information about the Chinook is based on the records of early traders and explorers, together with what is known of neighbouring groups. The basic social unit was probably the local group consisting of close relatives, headed by the senior member. Chinook religion focussed on the first salmon rite, a ritual in which each group welcomed the annual salmon run. Another important religious rite was the individual spirit quest, an ordeal undertaken by all male and some female adolescents to acquire guardian spirits that would give them hunting, curing, or other powers, bring them good luck, or teach them songs and dances. Singing ceremonies were public demonstrations of these gifts. The Chinook also had potlatches (q.v.), which were ceremonial distributions of property.