OPB: Clark descendants return stolen canoe to Chinook Nation

Monday, September 26, 2011  

"“We are here to right a wrong,” said Lotsie Holton.

She was one of five of Capt. William Clark’s descendants who helped carry the 750-pound canoe through a passageway of onlookers assembled at Chinook Point. They had all come to see the Chinook Nation regain what was stolen by the Corps of Discovery more than 200 years ago.

Saturday’s gifting of the replica canoe, christened Kthlmin by tribal councilor Tony Johnson, meant much more to the Chinook than restitution.

Kthlmin was the name of a Chinookan chief near Westport who died with no ancestors to carry on his lineage. It is also Chinookan for “the moon.” The Chinook value each canoe, the most essential survival tool, as much as a family member.

“They took one of our people, as far as we’re concerned,” said Chinook Chairman Ray Gardner.

“This is probably one of the most honorable gestures made to our people in more than 200 years,” added Tribal Secretary Peggy Disney, a Clatsop tribal member."

Get the Story:
Clarks make good on stolen canoe (OPB 9/26)

William Clark's descendants 'right a wrong' with Chinook Tribe (The Seattle Times 9/25)
Clark's Descendants Replace Stolen Tribal Canoe (AP (9/26)