In 1964, Ernest Cheeka, Jr., was installed as hereditary chief of the Makah Tribe. Cheeka, then a resident of Olympia, took the Indian name of Khulchoot or 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.
Daily Olympian photo, 1964, State Capital Museum collection, Washington State Historical Society, catalog C1986.43.64.12.4.1
Text © Deborah Ross and The Olympian 2020