AN ABSTRACT OF THE DISSERTATION OF Samantha Chisholm Hatfield for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Environmental Sciences presented on March 4, 2009. Title: Traditional Ecological Knowledge of Siletz Tribal Members Abstract approved: Janine E. Trempy This research effort examined Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) of Siletz tribal members of the environment they live and/or lived in, and how both Western societal beliefs and land reduction to the initially established reservation location affected and altered how the area TEK has been maintained and passed down. The theory being tested was that "The knowledge gathered by Tribal members was significantly altered by the influence of Western societal beliefs and land reductions." Confederated Tribes of Siletz tribal members older than eighteen years of age were interviewed, and these interviews were analyzed. Identification of tribal members‟ information, experience, and corroboration with Western scientific validation was examined and illustrated the validity of juxtaposing TEK application and information with existing Western scientific methods. Tribal members‟ utilization of TEK showed a routinely employed system of identification as well as selective collection and natural management of resources for future replenishment based on natural ecological patterns and behaviors rather than Western scientific principles. The conclusion of this research effort was that the system of TEK has been employed in a predictable and consistent manner that operates in relation to the environment and gathering information from environmental changes, reflecting human adaptation rather than Western scientific ideology. ©Copyright by Samantha Chisholm Hatfield March 4, 2009 All Rights Reserved Traditional Ecological Knowledge of Siletz Tribal Members by Samantha Chisholm Hatfield A DISSERTATION submitted to Oregon State University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy Presented March 4, 2009 Commencement June 2009 Doctor of Philosophy dissertation of Samantha Chisholm Hatfield presented on March 4, 2009. APPROVED: __________________________________________________________ Major Professor, representing Environmental Science ___________________________________________________________ Director of the Environmental Sciences Program ____________________________________________________________ Dean of the Graduate School I understand that my dissertation will become part of the permanent collection of Oregon State University libraries. My signature below authorizes release of my dissertation to any reader upon request. Samantha Chisholm Hatfield, Author ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS This work is for my precious son, Tadee, whose soul of sunshine has provided the enthusiasm for me to continue, so that I could make a better way for his future. Your strength, wisdom, and love is inspirational, Little One; Nuushlte Tenas, to the very depths of my soul and back again. Thank you, mom, for always being my biggest supporter, best friend, and living by example - you will always be the heroine I aspire to become; your sacrifices and unconditional love mean so much more than I will ever be able to express. To my loving and supportive family, Oscar, Kathy, Rebecca, I am so fortunate to be blessed with you as my family. Without your support and love I would have been lost. Thank you for your continual guidance. For Grandma, and Uncle Terry, who have given so much; with grace, wisdom, and love, you‟ve helped pave the way. For Auntie Connie and Auntie Jessie, whose wisdom, stories and laughter fill my heart and refresh my soul. “Thank you” does not even begin to cover my deep gratitude. I love you all so very much. For Jo Alexander, whose love, support, and guidance has provided a safe place to land and the encouragement to keep going. Your understanding exceeds words; thank you. For Malcolm Begay, thank you for your continual support, thought provoking conversations, and the laughter. Your encouragement has been so deeply appreciated; you are a true inspiration. For Frank Simmons, whose continual support and encouragement meant so much. Thank you for all the poignant, heartfelt conversations, and the time you took just to talk and encourage me onward for Our benefit. Your belief in me and my work will remain in my heart forever, and I hope to carry the fire you gifted to me proudly, sharing it with others. Yes, Frank, now I am . Thank you to the Elders, who shared stories and pieces of lives and information that is sacred and cherished, so that we may continue in the ways we know are meant and right. I deeply cherish the time and gifts of wisdom you offered so willingly. It meant so much to be able to learn from each of you. For Robert Kentta, who has been a pillar of support, and who has brought about hope and inspiration along with his deep intellect and profound wisdom. I cherish all our conversations, however brief, and I am so deeply thankful for the time you have taken to offer your guidance with this project. For Sonya Jurado-Moody, who has been steadfast, kind, caring and understanding. I could not have done this without you. I cherish your friendship, your guidance, and the beautiful love you freely share with everyone. For my People, so that we may continue that which our Ancestors have fought so tenaciously for; may we always feel the fire in our hearts and souls. For all the wonderful souls I have found comfort and strength with, while being part of the Oregon State University community, and for each and every one of the dedicated souls who help continue the Native American Longhouse operating efficiently and gloriously and proudly supporting the Native community on campus – your smiles, love, and laughter have brought so much, and kept me going more than a few times; bless your hearts for the continual supply of coffee! For Sharon Walker, thank you immensely for your cherished friendship, and all the late night talks, sharing chocolate, and unending support. My most sincere and heartfelt thanks to each of my committee members: Dr. Trempy, thank you for helping me put the round hole in the square peg. I cannot thank you enough for your continual unwavering belief in me. You have touched my heart and enriched my life with your wisdom, guidance and compassion, and I am so deeply indebted, and will be forever grateful. Dr. Ball, thank you for all your support, insight, dedication, and comforting belief in me, my work, and my tribe. Dr. Doel, thank you for your time, devotion, and dedication to see this come to fruition. Dr. Gosnell, thank you for your support and willingness to assist in this project. Robert Kentta, thank you for your continual guidance, belief, dedication, and input for this project. Dr. Mata, thank you for your continued supportive guidance and willingness to commit to this committee at such late notice. Professor Wilkinson, thank you for your continued devotion to my People; your wonderful insightful conversations with me, rich with insight and continual support, have meant so much. I feel so very blessed to have had the opportunity to work with each of you. Thank you all so much for believing in me, and assisting this work, when others said, “It can‟t be done.” TABLE OF CONTENTS Page I. Introduction……………………………………………. 1 1. TEK and Siletz members…………………………….. 5 2. Loss of Siletz TEK ...................................................... 8 II. Purpose and Significance of Research………………………. 18 III. Research Questions……………….………………………… 23 1. How Is TEK a Vital Aspect for CTSI Members?.......... 23 2. What Role Oral Tradition Plays in TEK................ 26 IV. Methodology………………………………………………… 41 V. Situating the Study…………………………………………… 49 1. TEK Systems and Technology……………… 76 VI. The Case Study……………………………………………. 81 1. History………………………………………………. 81 2. Restoration………………………………………….. 90 VII. Results……………………………………………………. 101 1. TEK As a Vital Aspect of Community, Identity, and Culture… 101 2. Restoration and Awareness of How TEK Is Affected………... 112 3. Adaptation……………………………………………………. 116 a. Evidence of how has TEK been transferred through generations……………....…………………………… 126 4. Adaptation and Loss………………………………………… 126 VIII. Discussion……………………………………………………….. 132 Bibliography…………………………………………………………. 152 Appendices………………………………………………………….. 156 Appendix A Research Interview Questions………………….. 157 TABLE OF CONTENTS (Continued) Appendix B Aboriginal Lands in Oregon Map…………………… 160 Appendix C Original Siletz Reservation Showing Reductions Map.. 161 Appendix D Original Reservation Boundary Map…………………. 162 Appendix E Original Reservation and Current Ownership Map… 163 TRADITIONAL ECOLOGICAL KNOWLEDGE OF SILETZ TRIBAL MEMBERS I. Introduction There is a saying that Native people walk in two worlds: their Native indigenous communities, sometimes referred to as “Indian Country,” and the mainstream American society where they routinely interact with non-indigenous populations. Growing up as an Indian student, much of the information I learned at school was set aside as just that: information learned for school. Arriving home after school meant observation, interaction with the land, and comforting traditions which, looking back, had been established long before I arrived in this world, and which have been maintained by current generations. I also realize some of the traditions that have been longstanding and remain part of our identity as a People have been forcibly removed, or oppressed, to the point of having to be abandoned for the time being. Over the years I have