What’s the Lummi Tribe?

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The Lummi Nation is a Native American tribe in Washington state. They have a rich history and culture, with a focus on family and respect for nature. They have integrated into American society while maintaining their roots and have an international economy. The tribe is committed to conserving the salmon population, which is important to their diet and culture. They create works of art and trade with the world outside their reservation. Their future looks bright.

The Lummi Nation is a Native American tribe located in western Washington state in the United States. This tribe primarily resides on and around the Lummi Indian Reservation and identifies themselves as hunters, fishers, gatherers, and nature gatherers. The Lummi tribe is a nation of people who are proud of their long and rich history.

The original language of the Lummi tribe is the Songish dialect of the Salish language, and many in the tribe still retain the language. For nearly 12,000 years, the Lummi tribe has built its villages near the sea and throughout the mountainous areas of Washington. Living so close to water has allowed them a rich diet of trout, salmon, and other seasonal marine and land animals such as moose. The Lummi community was strictly centered on family and spiritual guidance, with leaders chosen for their wisdom and strength.

Today, many in the Lummi tribe continue the traditions revolving around family and respect for nature, but most of the tribe have converted to Christianity. While the tribe did not experience foreign influences until about 1800, they have successfully integrated into American society while maintaining their roots. Trade between the Lummi tribe and countries such as Japan, Spain and the British allowed the tribe to develop an international economy, but unfortunately most traders didn’t want the goods the Lummi produced as much as they did their land.

Efforts have been made to maintain the salmon population on which the tribe depends, including a salmon hatchery on their stock. This particular fish has been particularly important not only to the Lummi diet, but also in their culture, and its conservation is an important focus for the tribe. The responsibility taken by the Lummi tribe to regrow the salmon population and take only what is needed from the population stems from their ancient legend of the Great Salmon Woman. This practice has been passed down from generation to generation and has helped wildlife conservationists in their ongoing efforts to save several endangered fish species.

Getting their status and land protected through the US government has been a long road, but the future for the Lummi tribe now looks very bright. The tribe’s artisans create works of art in both the form of clothing and decorations, which they use to trade, along with other products, with the world outside their reservation. Open policies and adaptation to change have allowed the tribe to survive and will likely continue their success.




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