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Klamath Tribes
The Sprague River east of Chiloquin. (Scenic photo No. klaDA0073)
Contact
Address: PO Box 436, 501 Chiloquin Blvd., Chiloquin 97624
Phone: 541-783-2219 or 800-524-9787
E-mail: taylor.david@klamathtribes.com
Web: www.klamathtribes.org
About
Restoration Date: August 27, 1986
Number of Members: 3,669
Land Base Acreage: 566 acres
Number of people employed by the Tribes: 118
Economy
Kla-Mo-Ya Casino, full service travel center, tribal forest management service
Points of interest
Kla-Mo-Ya Casino, Crater Lake National Park, Lava Beds National Monument, and Tulelake History Museum. Named by Sunset Magazine as one of the nation’s five best birding hotspots, the Klamath Basin is located in the Pacific Flyway. More than 350 species of birds, including Bald Eagles, Clarke’s Grebes and Black Terns use this migration flyway.
Each year, the c'waam (Lost River Suckerfish) swims up the Sprague River to spawn. A certain snowfall at this time of year heralds the c'waam's return, and the evening sky reveals the fish constellation (three stars in line making "Orion's Belt") on the southwestern horizon. Klamath traditions state that watchmen, or swaso.llalalYampgis, monitored the riverbanks to see exactly when the fish would return. The head "shaman" would then give thanks for their return to the people. Tribal elders continue this traditional ceremony to ensure the survival of both a species and tribal traditions. This annual celebration includes traditional dancing, drumming, feasting and releasing of a pair of c'waam into the river. Other events include the annual Restoration Celebration held the fourth weekend in August and the annual New Year’s Eve Sobriety Pow Wow.
History and culture
The Klamath Tribes have lived in the Klamath Basin of Oregon from time beyond memory. Legends and oral history tell about when the world and the animals were created, when the animals and gmok'am'c—the Creator—sat together and discussed the creation of man. According to tribal sayings, if stability defines success, their presence here has been, and always will be, essential to the economic well-being of their homeland.
Tribal court
Tribal Judge James D. Hill, 116 E. Chocktoot St., PO Box 1260, Chiloquin 97624; 541-783-2219 ext. 155
Tribal council
2010-2013: Chairman Gary D. Frost; Vice-Chairman Don Gentry; Secretary Torina Case; Treasurer Brandi Decker; Council: Shawn Jackson, Albert “Bert” Lawvor, Sr., Georgene Wright-Nelson, Jeff C. Mitchell, Charles E Kimbol, Sr. and Frank Summers