FORT CLATSOP – Fort Clatsop National Memorial is pleased to sponsor a Chautauqua-style presentation by Pat Courtney Gold entitled “The Chinookan Nations Encounter the Corps of Discovery.” This free public program will take place on Sunday, April 13 at 1 p.m.

Two hundred years ago, the powerful Chinookan Nations had lived along the Columbia River for thousands of years. In 1805 and 1806, the Corps of Discovery encountered their sizeable towns and met the people. The cultures of the two groups were very different, and this led to misunderstandings.

Pat Courtney Gold offers an indigenous view of the rich history and culture of the Chinookan Nation, from its international trade to the extensive role of women in that trade. Excerpts from the Corps’ journals will be reexamined in light of this more complete picture; slide images will highlight encounters between members of both groups.

Golds’ presentation is made possible by funding from the Oregon Council for the Humanities, an affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities, as well as by support of the Red Lion Inn of Astoria.

This presentation is one segment of the speakers’ forum “In Their Footsteps: Corps Encounters.” These programs are being held in the Netul River Room of Fort Clatsop National Memorial’s Visitor Center.

For more information, call the park at (503) 861-2471.