Native American Tribes

Tribal elders have told stories for centuries of Pacific Northwest Tribes first crossing on the prehistoric connection from Asia to America more than 10,000 years ago - making them the first humans in the North American continent. Tribes preserved the land remarkably well for thousands of years, respecting the land as sacred.

Population

Anthropologist Franz Boas, whose studies of Indian life are respected, visited the Peninsula in the 1890's. He estimated in 1780 the number of Native Americans living in the Olympic Peninsula area as follows:

400 Chimacum lived on the Quimper Peninsula and along what is now Hood Canal;
2,000 Clallam (along with their sub tribes) spread in 17 villages from Discovery Bay to Clallam Bay;
2,000 Makah and Ozette occupied the Neah Bay area and west of Lake Ozette;
500 Quileute lived where the village of La Push is located;
To the south of La Push lived 250 Queet and Quaitso - both related linguistically to the Salish Clallam and Chimacum;
Additional smaller tribes, such as Hoh and Tsooe, resided on the coast

Boas estimated the main tribes at nearly 6,000 strong in the Olympic Peninsula area in 1780.

Workforce

Judge James G. Swan, an Indian teacher at Neah Bay in the 1860s and a student of Indian lore most of his life, reported stories of great hardships and honors. The nature inspired Native American creativity and innovation as a skilled and strong workforce, as well as some of the finest craftsman and artisans found anywhere. An interest in Native carvings and cultural art has resumed in recent years, sparking a growing demand for their original wares of Olympic quality, heritage and pride.
Instilled with a strong and dedicated work ethic, along with modern education and technology, tribal workers and business executives are currently among the most admired Olympic Peninsula leaders.

Education and Technology

In the last half century, fostered by technology and a greater attainment toward education and innovation, the tribal leaders of today combine contemporary business savvy with the dedicated work ethic and pride of their cultural ancestors.

Cultural Heritage

Nothing enriches the Olympic Community more than the cultural and natural history of our land and its people. The fresh and energetic leaders coming of age today bring a unique perspective on family, schooling, culture and heritage. Many youths in Clallam County, tribal or not, decide to stay and raise a family in Clallam County because of this diversity.