The Kalapuya are a group of Native American tribes originally from the Willamette Valley in Oregon. They traditionally lived in small, semi-nomadic communities, relying on fishing, hunting, and gathering for sustenance. The Kalapuya people had a rich culture, with distinct languages and social structures. Historically, the Kalapuya faced significant challenges due to European settlement in the 19th century, which led to loss of land and population decline from diseases. Today, efforts are being made to preserve their heritage and revive their languages, with some descendants actively working to maintain their cultural identity in modern society.