Land of the Dead

I was drawn to this scene by its tranquil beauty, but what I learned about it is haunting.

“Memaloose Ilahee” is a Chinook term referring to “Land of the Dead.” They long used this, and similar islands in the lower Columbia River for burial grounds for their dead, which were wrapped and placed on platforms or in canoes. About two thirds of the original island now lies below the waters backed up by nearby Bonneville Dam.

In 1883 Victor Trevitt, a former Oregon state representative and later, senator, was buried there amongst the Chinook deceased to fulfill his wish to be buried with more honest people than the white settlers that he was used to dealing with. Unfortunately, this brought unwanted attention to the island, and the Chinook ceased using it due to desecration of their departed by white grave robbers looking for artifacts.

Now, partly drowned in the waters of Bonneville Reservoir, only the upper third of the island remains visible, and the only remaining grave is that of Victor Trevitt. Though he professed friendship with the Indians, ultimately, the results of his actions were hardly friendly. It seems that he could have much better expressed his respect for the Chinook by leaving their sacred island alone.

#chinook #memalooseisland #bonnevilledam #bonnevillereservoir #gravesite