🌊 Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians

First Restored Tribe

Who Are the Siletz?

The Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians (CTSI) comprises descendants of 27 tribes and bands from southwestern Oregon and northwestern California, with approximately 5,500 enrolled members headquartered in Siletz, Oregon. Like Grand Ronde, Siletz represents diverse peoples speaking Athabascan (Tolowa, Chetco, Tututni), Algic (Coquille), and other languages. The Coast Reservation, established in 1855, was reduced drastically before termination in 1954. The Siletz Restoration Act (1977) made them the second tribe restored after termination—a landmark in federal Indian policy reversal.

5,500Enrolled Members
27Original Bands
1977Restored
3,666Acres

Rogue River Wars

The peoples now comprising the Siletz endured brutal wars before removal. The Rogue River Wars (1855-1856) killed hundreds of southwestern Oregon Indians; survivors were forcibly marched to the Coast Reservation. Multiple peoples speaking different languages were confined together, sharing trauma but not always culture or language. The Coast Reservation once encompassed 1.1 million acres along Oregon's central coast; allotment and land sales reduced it dramatically. By termination (1954), little remained. The wars and forced consolidation created a new, pan-tribal Siletz identity from previously distinct nations.

Termination and Recovery

The 1954 Western Oregon Termination Act devastated Siletz as it did Grand Ronde. Federal trust responsibility ended; remaining land was sold; healthcare and education programs ceased. Tribal members dispersed. The 1977 Siletz Restoration Act—the second such restoration after Menominee—marked a turning point in federal policy. But restoration came with almost nothing: 3,666 acres (eventually), but no casino compact initially. The tribe rebuilt governance, cultural programs, and economic capacity from minimal resources. This recovery demonstrates resilience but also termination's lasting damage.

Contemporary Siletz

Modern Siletz has achieved economic stability despite limited resources. Chinook Winds Casino Resort in Lincoln City generates significant revenue. The tribe has reacquired culturally important sites. Language programs work to preserve Athabascan languages, particularly Dee-ni' (Tolowa-Tututni), though fluent speakers are few. The annual Nesika Illahee Pow-Wow celebrates pan-tribal identity. Health, education, and housing programs serve members across Oregon. How Siletz maintains the distinct heritage of 27 original bands while building unified identity as a restored tribe shapes this first-restored confederation's ongoing revival.

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