Cowlitz Indian Tribe strengthens cultural preservation through traditional foods

The Cowlitz Indian Tribe continues efforts to restore food sovereignty and cultural traditions through programs that connect members to first foods such as salmon, steelhead, camas lily bulbs and huckleberries, according to The Reflector.

Tribal Chairman Bill Iyall said access to first foods remains a top priority and reflects the tribe’s commitment to sustainability and community well-being. The Fish Distribution Program, which has operated for more than 20 years, now ships filleted fish nationwide to tribal members. The Cowlitz community garden, established in 2019, distributes food and plant medicines to more than 375 Native households along the Interstate 5 corridor.

Iyall said the tribe’s preservation efforts extend beyond tribal members, benefiting the wider community and continuing the work to reclaim traditional hunting and fishing rights.