For thousands of years, the Quileute Indians have lived along a majestic stretch of Pacific coastline on Washington's Olympic Peninsula. They have fished for a livelihood, participated in traditional rituals and ceremonies, and drawn inspiration from the legends of the supernatural beings who existed long before the arrival of the ho-kwat, or "drifting-house people," as Whites came to be called. Today, the Quileutes are eager to preserve their rich cultural heritage. With the full cooperation of the Quileute community, this book was prepared to introduce the people, their history, and their home to outsiders, thousands of whom visit their scenic beaches annually. Drawing on personal interviews and extensive research, the authors have written a sensitive study of Quileute life from earliest pre-contact times to the present day. The narrative is illustrated with over eighty striking photographs, both historical and contemporary, depicting various aspects of Quileute culture. Included are accounts of traditional life, early contact with White explorers and settlers, Quileute myths, games, food, and recipes. The book also provides a useful introduction to the Quileute language, with a key to pronunciation, a beginner's phrase book, and a map and index of Quileute place names on the Olympic Peninsula.