Vancouver, WA – Clark County Historical Museum’s 2022 Speaker Series continues on Thursday, October 6, with “A Promise Not Yet Fulfilled: The Chinook Struggle for Recognition” presented by Sam Robinson. The event will occur in-person at the Clark County Historical Museum. Doors open at 5 p.m. and the event begins at 7 p.m.
In 2001, the Chinook Nation rejoiced as the Federal Government finally recognized the Chinook Indian Nation as a sovereign entity of their own lands. This celebration was short lived as only a few months later the government rescinded their decision, leaving the Nation bereft of their right to determine their own future and barred from the resources that are crucial to the People’s survival. Unfortunately, this moment is only one of many injustices played out since the Treaty at Tansy Point in 1851.
In this talk, Chinook Indian Nation citizen and Vice Chair, Sam Robinson, explores the history of the Chinook People and their continued fight for Tribal Recognition. He’ll discuss the importance of recognition for Indigenous Nations, like the Chinook, and provide an insight into where their status stands today.
“Being a Tribal Leader for the past 21+ years, I continue the battle to correct the Federal Status of the Chinook Indian Nation!” stated Robinson, “I look forward to the day that the suffering will stop and we can provide for our people the many services that are needed and were promised in the treaty that our Ancestors did sign in good faith!”
Born in South Bend, Washington the home of his Ancestors. Sam Robinson is the third great Grandson of Thomas Huckswelt, a Lower Chinook headsman and signer of an Anson Dart Treaty at Tansey Point in 1851! Huckwelt’s wife Sam’s third great Grandmother was Cha’isht a high status Willapa Chinook women! He graduated from LaCenter High School and days after graduating entered the U.S Army where he served four years.
Sam has served on Chinook Indian Nation Tribal Council continuously for the past 22+ years and has been Vice Chairman for the past 9+ years! He is a member of the Chinook Canoe Family, serves on the Chinook Education Committee, and the Natural Resource Committee. He served on several boards to include the Native American Advisory Board for the U of W (Five Years) and is currently serving on the Friends of the Ridgefield Wildlife Refuge board, the Confluence board, WSUV advisory board, and works with CCHM, Clark College and many others in our community.
Sam worked with PSU during the Archaeological work done at Cathlapotle and helped in the construction of the Cathlapotle Plankhouse.
Sam is an advocate for the Chinook Indian Nation and spreads the word about the struggles of the Chinook Indian Nation for the last 170 years!
The CCHM Speaker Series is sponsored by the Clark County Historic Preservation Commission and Versa Events (formerly Wager Audio). General admission is $5; seniors and students are $4; children under 18 are $3; and the evening is free for CCHM members, veterans, and active-duty military personnel.
Attendees are encouraged to arrive early, as seating is limited and available on a first-come-first-served basis.
For more information, contact the museum at 360-993-5679 or outreach@cchmuseum.org.
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