BANDON - In the same city where they first rejoiced the federal recognition and reformation of their tribe, members of the Coquille Indian Tribe reopened their arms to the community they've grown in since 1989 in celebration of 20 years of restoration.

"We're part of this community. What happens to the community happens to us," said tribal member Cassie Ross, who serves as a member of the tribal council. "It's a good opportunity for our tribe to celebrate a milestone in our journey."

Ross, who grew up in Coos Bay, recalls what life was like before restoration, after the federal government dispersed it and other tribes. They were no longer Native American people. They lost their language. They forgot their traditions and customs.

"We have to go to other tribes to regain our (customs)," the Woodburn resident said.

The weekend-long celebration, held at Bandon City Park and the Port of Bandon Boat Basin, was the first time the restoration celebration has been open to the public in years.

To Ed Metcalf, the chairman of the Coquille Tribal Council, the 20th anniversary of restoration is momentous. Picking at a plate of stick roasted salmon, he described the event as a great day for the tribe. Metcalf has served on the council since the tribe regained its federal status in 1989.

"We're our own entity, our own tribe again," he said. "Our elders and all the people who struggled over the years ... and all the sacrifices they made, all makes it worthwhile."

He added that as a younger man he'd always felt the tribe would one day be restored, as his father and grandfather believed it would.

"I wish they'd been here to see it," Metcalf said.

According to a proclamation from Gov. Ted Kulongoski, the tribe has survived racism, epidemic disease, displacement, forced relocation, attempted cultural eradication, loss of lands and termination of its recognition as a tribal government, "yet perseveres as a cohesive and critical part of Oregon's history, environment, society and economy."

"The Coquille Indian Tribe has devoted itself to the welfare of its members and has made an unquestionably positive impact within its five-county service area," Kulongoski wrote.

Activities and Events Coordinator Denise Hunter, who also is a tribal elder, said the tribe decided to open Restoration Day to the public because Bandon was so welcoming and members felt the experience should be shared.

"We're still natives, we're still here and we feel very blessed," Hunter said. "We wanted to come back here where everything began."

During the celebration, which moved to the park following canoe ceremonies with other local tribes, community members came to listen to speeches from anthropologists and others associated with the tribe, and to view information booths, exhibits and cultural demonstrations. They also came for the food. The tribe prepared approximately 3,000 pounds of salmon, along with fry bread and salad for Restoration Day.

"The salmon was wonderful and the fry bread was wonderful," said Karen Zeck, a visitor from Eureka, Calif.

Zeck said she came to the event because she has an American Indian friend, who she'd thought would like to participate.

"It's a celebration of what their life is. I think it's wonderful, as it should be," Zeck said.

It's definitely a different celebration from the one in 1989, where tribal members gathered in a tent, said Annette Sandberg, a tribal member and volunteer. Then 38, Sandberg said she recalled standing with her siblings, cousins and aunts.

"It was much more home grown and I remember there were photographers. They wanted to know where the Indians were because we are all so light-skinned," Sandberg said.

Until that time, it wasn't popular to be Indian, said Sandberg, who descends from Coos and Coquille Indians. Now, the community is more aware of the tribe's presence, even though social prejudices haven't completely died away. She said that's part of opening the celebration to others - to share tribal traditions and show who the Coquille are.

As Ross put it, "We've been here forever and we will always be here."

Restoration Celebration