Rights Remembered is a remarkable historical narrative and
autobiography written by esteemed Lummi elder and culture bearer
Pauline R. Hillaire, Scälla–Of the Killer Whale. A direct
descendant of the immediate postcontact generation of Coast Salish
in Washington State, Hillaire combines in her narrative life
experiences, Lummi oral traditions preserved and passed on to her,
and the written record of relationships between the United States
and the indigenous peoples of the Northwest Coast to tell the story
of settlers, government officials, treaties, reservations, and the
colonial relationship between Coast Salish and the white newcomers.
Hillaire's autobiography, although written out of frustration with
the status of Native peoples in America, is not an expression of
anger but rather represents, in her own words, her hope "for
greater justice for Indian people in America, and for
reconciliation between Indian and non-Indian Americans, based on
recognition of the truths of history." Addressed to indigenous and
non-Native peoples alike, this is a thoughtful call for
understanding and mutual respect between cultures.