Cathlapotle: A Mother’s Day nod to native women - It’s a common misconception, according to Pat Courtney Gold. People today think of the Northwest’s American Indian tribes, and assume the women historically played a secondary role. On Sunday, Gold painted a very different picture. She described native women as decision makers in tribal councils, property owners, leaders, elders, storytellers and traders -- to name a few responsibilities. Comment: Women were and are important. More so, perhaps, than in other cultures. But some take this as proof that our local tribes were matriarchal. In fact, not 2 weeks ago a person told me that our tribe was matriarchal. Following which, they bragged that so valuable were the women in our tribe, that their husbands could trade them for many horses. Oh? Valuable, yes; matriarchy, no. Just a widespread appreciation for the importance of every tribal member, elder and youth, woman and man, boy and girl.