- Chinooks either live on reservations, which is land recognized by the federal government as belonging to the Chinooks, or in cities and towns. While the people are American citizens and must abide by United States laws, they also have their own laws, government, police and social services. Chinooks are governed by a tribal council, which is elected by the people. Traditionally, Chinooks were governed by a male leader called a chief or headman.
- Chinook people speak English as their first language. As a second language, some elders speak what is called Chinook jargon, which is a combination of Chinook, Nootka, English and additional languages. The language was developed during trade days, when the tribe would use the Columbia River for transportation. In the early 1800s, many of the estimated 16,000 Chinook spoke the language. The jargon was known from Alaska to California.
- Chinook children are taught from a young age how to hunt and fish. In the past, their responsibilities around the household were much more vast. A Chinook baby was carried on his mother's back in a cradle board. Later in the baby's life, he would likely participate in the sport of lacrosse, which was created by North American natives and is a popular sport today. Chinook children, teenagers and adults play the sport.
- Traditionally, women were responsible for gathering shellfish, herbs, fruits, vegetables and other plants. She was responsible for the majority of children's needs and cooking. Men hunted and fished. They were occasionally required to go to war to protect their tribe. The chief was always a man, but now the tribal councils can consist of both genders. Men and women were and still are storytellers. They are interested in art, music and natural medicine.
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