The Cowlitz people are a southwestern Coast Salish Native American people located in the state of Washington belonging to the
Cowlitz Indian Tribe. Their name "Cowlitz" means “The People Who Seek Their Medicine Spirit”, which is also the name of the river along which were their traditional villages were located.
They are headquartered near Longview, in Cowlitz county, Washington. Moreover, their reservation is located on 152 acres of land west of Interstate 5 near La Center, in Clark County, Washington.
They are divided into four historical divisions: (1) Upper Cowlitz located in the north-eastern part of Cowlitz territory call themselves Teitnapum, (2) Lower Cowlitz located in the central and southern part call themselves "Stlpulimuhkl" (pronounced Sht-poo-lum), (3) Lewis River Cowlitz located in the east, and (4) Mountain Cowlitz located in the west.
English is commonly spoken by the Cowlitz. However, the Cowlitz language is still spoken among the people. The Cowlitz language belongs to the
Tsamosan branch of Salish languages.
They are rich in history and culture. For example, when Cowlitz kids reached adolescence, they embarked on a fasting journey where they would search for a spiritual guide to assist them in their roles as productive tribe members. Many of their cultural traditions are kept alive (e.g. annual Pow Pows, advocating Cowlitz language learning, etc.)
The majority of Cowlitz are non-religious or adhere to traditional indigenous practices. Some Cowlitz, due to their speaking English, adhere to evangelical Christian churches that use English for worship. Others adhere to Roman Catholicism.
Prayer Points
Pray that Cowlitz will recognize their responsibility to share the message of Christ and plant churches among unreached Native American people groups.
Pray that Cowlitz will avoid being Christian in name only, but live a missional life both in word and deed.
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