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Descendants of Umpqua Chief Louis Nepesa (Nepissank)
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repesa was not an Oregon Indian, but came over
the northeastern mountains when he was just a boy
to hunt for the fur company. He was named after
his native Lake Nipissing in Ontario, Canada. After many
adventures, Nepesa was adopted by the Umpqua people.
Famous among them for his ability to follow trails even
when others were at a loss, the Umpqua said he asked the
wild animals and it was they who directed him.
On November 29, 1854, a treaty was made at Calapooia
Creek in Douglas County, Oregon between the Confeder
ated Bands of Umpqua and the Calapooia residing in the
Umpqua Valley and Joel Palmer, Superintendent of Indian
Affairs. As First Chief of the Umpqua, Louis Nepesa was
one of those who signed the treaty on behalf of the Umpqua
people.
Years after their removal to the Grand Ronde Reserva
tion, Chief Nepesa joined other chiefs in petitioning for a
resident Catholic priest at Grand Ronde. He took a leader
ship role in all public gatherings and according to Father
Crocket set an example of reverent participation at Mass
for which Grand Ronde became renowned. However, he
did not contribute to the building of the new Catholic school
mainly because he saw this effort as symbolizing approval
of the United States government's refusal to finance the
project and to pay the Indian workers involved.
Nepesa's first wife died shortly before
the Cayuse attack on the Whitman Mis
sion in 1847. He gave up trapping about
this time, married Lizette Klikitat and
moved to the Umpqua Valley where he
had a house, barn and 60 head of cattle.
His eldest daughter, Mary Ann married
Alexander Day and later Abraham Leno.
His younger daughter, LaRose, married
Frank Quenelle and followed her father's
example as a leader in the Catholic faith.
Born in 1849, LaRose lived out her life
at Grand Ronde where she and Frank
Quenelle raised a family. Five of her
grandchildren (great grandchildren of
Chief Nepesa) are shown here standing
on a log posing bashfully for the cam
era. From left to right: Corinda Quenelle
Snider (daughter of Fabian Quenelle and
Tillie), Mceme Langley (daughter of
William Langley and Mary Quenelle),
Ethel Quenelle (daughter of Fabian
Quenelle and Tillie), Albert Quenelle,
and Francis Smith (son of Jesse Smith
and Ester Alice Quenelle). Family photo
is courtesy of Grand Ronde elder, Mary
Snider-Johnson.
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STANDING ON THE LOG: Corinda Quenelle-Snider, Meeme Langley, Ethel Quenelle, Albert Quenelle, and
Francis Smith. Photo provided by Mary Snider-Johnson.
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Pictured at left: LaRose Quenelle holding Richard and Beryle Langley.
Pictured below: Alice Quenelle, LaRose Nepissank-Quenelle, and "Boney"
Fabien Quenelle. . '
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Kwelth Tahlkie Culture
and Heritage meetings
The Kwelth Tahlkie Culture and Heritage Society Board
of Directors hold regular monthly meetings the second Mon
day of each month. These meetings are generally held at
one of the two banquet rooms in Spirit Mountain Casino
from 1 p.m. until approximately 4 p.m.
The meetings are open, and interested tribal members are
encouraged to attend. If you have questions, please con
tact Pam Warren, Co-Chair at 1-800-422-0232, extension
2028; or Shawn Hostler, Co-Chair at (503) 879-2850. Meet
ings arc subject to cancellation and rescheduling at any time.
CAMP OUT:
Sweet Home Ranger District
Tony Farque, an archaeologist with the Willamette National Forest, recently con
tacted the Cultural Resources Program to invite tribal members to a week long camp
out near Cougar Rock. The Sweet Home Ranger District will be clearing a parcel of
land to enhance the camas growing in the area. Besides spending a week in the great
outdoors, this will be a great opportunity for tribal members to meet people working
for the forest service, identify other kinds of plants, dig some camas and collect
seeds. The camp out will be held June 23 to July 3. If you and your family would
like to attend or if you have further questions, please call June Olson at 1-800-422-0232,
ext. 2249.