One Eyed King
Chief Comcomly, 1765 - 1830
Chief Comcomly of the Chinookan peoples was known for his skills in diplomacy and navigation of the Columbia River.
He saw the Columbia’s power clearer with one eye than most did with two, and he let the river be his guide.
Seeking Justice Since 1851
The Chinook Indian Nation continues its efforts to secure federal recognition. Recognition affects access to essential programs, including healthcare, housing, and education. Efforts to restore federal recognition are ongoing through legislative and administrative processes.
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One Eyed King
Verse 1
For ten thousand years, Chinook people lived here, hunting, fishing, Lewis & Clark were not here.
When the strangers came, everybody knew his name...
He lost one eye, but he never lost sight, that trading salmon and fur would help his people’s plight.
A powerful chief, with wealth beyond belief,
He was Comcomly the One-Eyed King, Comcomly, the One-Eyed King.
Chorus
HE SAID: bring them fish, bring them flame, learn their tongue, but know their game.
This great river, honor its name.
Bring them fish, bring them flame, learn their tongue, but know their game.
This great river honor its name. It’s the Mighty Columbee, Mighty Columbia, Mighty Columbia.
Verse 2
He traded horses and cedar for guns and gold, but this great river, she will not be sold.
Her heart beats strong, her voice is free...
At river’s edge, his thoughts would stray, on what path, no one could say.
One eye to see, one eye to dream,
The River was his guide, he listened to the tide.
Chorus
HE SAID: bring them fish, bring them flame, Learn their tongue, but know their game.
This great river, honor its name.
Bring them fish, bring them flame, learn their tongue, but know their game.
This great river honor its name. It’s the Mighty Columbee, Mighty Columbia, Mighty Columbia.
Verse 3
It was so dark, the children quit playing.
It was the dying of the light.
Malaria, 1830, devastating to the Chinook.
And all from a mosquito bite.
I am soft stars at night.
I am the winds that blow.
I am the sun on ripened grain.
I am gentle autumn rain.
Malaria took the King, Malaria took the King.
Verse 4
The Chinook were here when the river carved its name, long before the maps and fences came.
A powerful chief, who listened to his dreams.
Chorus
HE SAID: bring them fish, bring them flame, learn their tongue, but know their game.
This great river, honor its name.
Bring them fish, bring them flame, learn their tongue, but know their game.
This great river honor its name. It’s the Mighty Columbee, Mighty Columbia, Mighty Columbia, Mighty Columbia, Mighty Columbia.