Always Indians and the Path to Federal Status

Explore Chinook history, enduring relationships with the United States, and the ongoing fight for federal recognition with Sam Robinson. ALWAYS INDIANS AND THE PATH TO FEDERAL STATUS How does a people maintain their identity, culture, and community through generations of change, challenge, and perseverance? Join the Clark County Historical Museum this November for a special Speaker Series presentation with Sam Robinson, longtime Chinook Indian Nation Tribal Council member and advocate for Chinook history, culture, and federal recognition. Drawing on his own family history and decades of service to his community, Robinson will explore Chinook history before European contact, the enduring relationships between the Chinook people and the United States, and the challenges and successes that have shaped those relationships over time. He will also bring attendees up to date on the Chinook Indian Nation’s ongoing efforts to regain federal recognition, a longstanding goal in the Nation’s pursuit of acknowledgment and justice for its people. As a descendant of Lower Chinook leadership and a lifelong advocate for his community, Robinson brings a deeply personal perspective to the history of the Lower Columbia River and the continuing story of the Chinook Indian Nation. This program is part of the Clark County Historical Museum’s recognition of National Native American Heritage Month. Come learn about the history, resilience, and ongoing work of the Chinook Indian Nation from someone whose family and community are central to that story. EVENT DETAILS Thursday, November 5, 2026 Doors open at 6 PM Presentation begins at 7 PM Clark County Historical Museum 1511 Main Street Vancouver, WA 98660 ADMISSION Free for Clark County Historical Museum members (check email for promo code to apply membre discount) $5 for nonmembers Advance registration is required. Presented with support from the Clark County Historic Preservation Commission. Media sponsor: The Columbian.