Coupeville

Coupeville Village - BƷáƷale (Bdzá-dzaley)

BƷáƷale which was at the present site of downtown Coupeville was said to be one of the largest Lower Skagit villages within the Penn Cove area. The purported direct and titled descendent of the "first human" in Skagit tradition, K'ek'édib, apparently lived in the community of BƷáƷale at the time of European contact. Many sources suggested that this village's historical inhabitants were high-status people tied to Snatelum Point.

BƷáƷale was a village used for getting horse clams, mussels, flounder, sole, and cockles. To the southeast, there were grounds for getting geese and duck as well as smelt which was caught generally off the shores between Coupeville and Long Point. Other resources gathered from this area included deer, waterfowl, blackberries, wild currants, flax for medicinal purposes, and strawberries.

Sources report that there were large long houses that once lined the shoreline at BƷáƷale and that they were apparently removed by Euro-American settlers of the 19th century.

Natives who lived among BƷáƷale (now known as Coupeville) include, Aleck Kettle, his wife Susie and Mother-in-law Walalita (also known as "Squinty", see footnote). Aleck Kettle passed away January 3, 1947. Loved by many in the community, Aleck was laid to rest on a hill in Sunnyside cemetery beside his wife Susie, Walalita, and his seven children, all of whom preceded him in death.

Aleck's wife Susie Slapoose or (Teloleta) was a Lower Skagit woman who came from a highly respected family.