Slocum tum-tum
I had to pull off the highway when I saw the sign for “Indian Shaker Church Road” at Mud Bay.
This is a Native Christian denomination that has a strong historical association, I’ve been told, with Chinook Jargon. For example, it’s said that Shakers were described as “Slocum tum-tum“. (Having a Slocum heart, after the founder, Squaxin Island shaman John Slocum).
There are also said to be Shaker songs in Chinook Jargon.
I’m no expert on the Indian Shaker Church. I’ve seen just a bit of it in person.
Do any of my readers want to volunteer notes about this connection?
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Bay Center had a shaker church, the Willapa Chinooks built it in 1900. Many of our elders from that area attended it as children.
Hi Kate, łax̣áwyam! What did they sing there, I wonder? Does anyone local remember some of the songs?