Louis Labonte, French Prairie, and Chinuk Wawa
A very early mixed-blood son of Oregon, Louis Labonté [Jr.] (1818 or 1819-1906), told his recollections as an old man, and they’re interesting for Chinuk Wawa’s history.
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A “Narcissa” opera?
We’ve read about one opera — well, actually, a lighter operetta — that’s largely in Chinook Jargon…
Bible translations into Chinook Jargon? Mostly in a book you’ve never seen
For decades, there’s been an ongoing interest in having a Chinuk Wawa translation of the Christian Bible — but despite rumors, little progress.
Mollalas as “dusty” Indians of the forest lane?
I recently mentioned 1845 Oregon immigrant Joel Palmer’s Chinuk Wawa vocabulary, and how it’s filled wtih misspellings.
HH Bancroft & Grand Ronde Jargon
There is an enormously respected reference book that hasn’t been used as much as it could in Chinuk Wawa research…
Witchcraft!
It’s such an ancient pitch But one that I’d never switch ‘Cause there’s no nicer witch than you — Frank Sinatra, “Witchcraft”
Smallpox in Chinuk Wawa
There’s a word for that. Devoted readers may realize that this blog has so far only touched on one of the biggest issues in Pacific Northwest history: smallpox.
A misunderstanding: “Halo ticky, halo kloshe”
Do you agree?
Nesika klose ilahe Umatilla! (& Grand Ronde)
File under “Grand Ronde” (surprisingly), plus the usual “Doggerel”, “Poetry”, and “Pioneers”…
French of the Mountains: more evidence
A comment in a BC government publication of the late 19th century supports the claims that there was a pidginized “French of the Mountains” in use.