Who Are the Coquille?
The Coquille Indian Tribe (pronounced "ko-KWEL") has approximately 1,100 enrolled members, headquartered in North Bend, Oregon. Their name derives from the Coquille River. The tribe includes descendants of Upper Coquille (Miluk, a Coosan language) and Lower Coquille (an Athabascan language) peoples—two linguistically distinct groups sharing the Coquille River watershed. Both languages are now extinct. Terminated in 1954 under the Western Oregon Termination Act, the Coquille were restored in 1989, rebuilding from nothing to become one of Oregon's most successful restored tribes.
Two Peoples, One Tribe
The modern Coquille Tribe represents two linguistically distinct peoples who occupied different parts of the Coquille River system. The Upper Coquille spoke Miluk, a Coosan language related to the language of Coos Bay peoples. The Lower Coquille spoke an Athabascan language related to other southwestern Oregon Athabascan groups. European contact, disease, and removal to the Siletz Reservation disrupted both groups; by restoration in 1989, no speakers of either language remained. This dual heritage within one restored tribe represents the complex histories of southwestern Oregon indigenous peoples.
Termination and Restoration
The 1954 termination devastated the Coquille along with other western Oregon tribes. Federal trust responsibility ended; tribal property was sold; health and education programs ceased. For 35 years, the Coquille existed only as families maintaining informal connections. The 1989 Coquille Restoration Act reversed termination, but the tribe began with no land, no buildings, and minimal resources. The restored tribe has since acquired over 6,400 acres, including Coquille Forest—the first tribally owned community forest in the nation, managed sustainably for timber and ecosystem values.
Contemporary Coquille
Modern Coquille have built substantial capacity since restoration. The Mill Casino-Hotel in North Bend generates gaming revenue. The Coquille Forest demonstrates alternative forest management prioritizing sustainability. Cranberry farming and other enterprises diversify the economy. Cultural programs preserve heritage despite language loss—the tribe works with Siletz on related language documentation. The Ko-Kwel Wellness Center addresses member health needs. Education programs support members pursuing degrees. How the Coquille balance economic success with cultural preservation after 35 years of termination shapes this restored tribe's remarkable recovery.
References
- Hall, R. L. (1984). The Coquille Indians: Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow
- Schwartz, E. A. (1997). The Rogue River Indian War and Its Aftermath
- Wilkinson, C. (2005). Blood Struggle: The Rise of Modern Indian Nations