Looking Back’s theme for 2024 is Many Streams, celebrating our rich and diverse history. According to a 1964 article in the Olympian, Ernest Cheeka, Jr., was installed that year as Makah hereditary chief, after he reached adulthood. Cheeka, then a resident of Olympia, took the Indian name of Kolchote. He is pictured here with a ceremonial mask, in preparation for his installation. Cheeka was a Vietnam veteran, accomplished artist, and supporter of Native American rights and traditions. He died in 2011. Photograph selected and captioned by Deborah Ross on behalf of the Olympia Historical Society and Bigelow House Museum, olympiahistory.org.
Daily Olympian photo, 1964, State Capital Museum collection, Washington State Historical Society