Culturally Modified Trees in Traditional Landscapes: Documenting The Legacy of Indigenous Foods and Cultural Practices in the Oregon Cascades

FAIN: RFW-291993-23

University of Oregon (Eugene, OR 97403-5219)
Michael Coughlan (Project Director: October 2022 to present)

Archaeological, dendrochronological, and ethnographic research that documents the modification of living trees in culturally significant ways by Indigenous peoples in Oregon. (24 months) 

In collaboration with the Indigenous Tribal communities and the US Forest Service, this project proposes to inventory culturally modified trees and document associated cultural practices, oral histories, and symbolism with Indigenous knowledge holders for a traditional landscape in the western Oregon Cascades. The proposed fieldwork includes archaeological and ethnographic methods and seeks to create a digital record of this endangered cultural heritage resource.