Confluence Library
Botanist David Douglas spent two years traveling the West, surveying plants and animals from Fort Vancouver to Canada, the Rocky Mountains, and Santa Barbara. He advised the Hudson’s Bay Company on planting practices.
The densest population of native peoples north of Mexico, the Lower Chinook, Klickitat, and Cowlitz all made the Vancouver area their home. As companies and settlers encroached, the tribes were scattered from this area.
The Vancouver Land Bridge was constructed to provide quick access from the Columbia River to Fort Vancouver. Lined with native plants, it has inscriptions in nine different Native languages and art by Lillian Pitt.
Mike Iyall (Cowlitz) talks about the impact of disease.
Mike Iyall (Cowlitz) talks about marriage tradition and taboo among the Cowlitz.
Bobbie Conner (Cayuse/Nez Perce/Umatilla) talks about divide and conquer tactics used in American federal policy.
Leah Conner (Umatilla) talks about her family’s seasonal work travels.
Louie Pitt (Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs) talks about the bountiful resources to be found at the river, if one looks for them. 1:28.
In the winter 2018 issue of the Oregon Historical Quarterly, a Research Files article was published on the Confluence Interview Collection. Lily Hart, Confluence Program Coordinator, wrote the article. You can read it here.
Bill Yallup Jr (Yakama) talks about trade and sale, and the concept of owning land.