Chow-its-hoot

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Chow-its-hoot or Chowitsuit is a Lummi name meaning "Strong Man" in the Lashootseed language. Several Lummi individuals have carried this name. The most popular individual to hold that name in modern history lived in the 19th century. He had no children and was one of four brothers, Tsi-lik, Klutwolum and Sehumpton. Chowitsuit is called the richest Lummi because he owned several reef net sites and hosted 7 potlatches in his lifetime. As a result of his generosity, his status amongst Lummis' was high. This status led early pioneers of Whatcom County to consider him to be the Chief of the Lummi Tribe. Chow-its-hoot signed the controversial Treaty of Point Elliott as Chief of the Lummis in 1855.

Chow-its-hoot made friends with the first "whaneetum" (non Native) to settle in the area, Peabody. Peabody was looking for a water fall to build a saw mill. Chow-its-hoot explained that the Lummis had no word for "water fall" and that he was looking for "whatcom", which means loud water. Peabody thereafter built the first saw mill on Whatcom Creek and the county became known as Whatcom County. Chowitsuit and the Lummis helped the first pioneers survive in Whatcom County. He and Peabody were lifetime friends.

According to Peabody, he was called to Chowitsuit's home on Portage Island and told by Chowitsuit that the Haida had stolen his hair and were performing Black Magic on it. He told Peabody that he would be dead soon and wanted to say "good bye". Peabody didn't believe him because of Chowitsuit's appearant good health. Nevertheless, Chowitsuit died within the next few days.

Now the name carries with it elevated respect within the Lummi and Nooksack Tribes. The late Damian Solomon (Nooksack) carried the name and was followed by the late Richard Solomon (Lummi). Currently, Donna Solomon-Hunter is the matriarch of the Solomon family and has given the name to her grandchild. No other known individuals currently claim the name.