For countless generations, the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation have called Central and South Central Washington home. Their ancestral lands, a vast and diverse expanse, stretched along the eastern slopes of the majestic Cascade Mountain Range, reaching towards the life-giving Columbia River and beyond. Oral traditions passed down through tribal elders speak of journeys that extended as far north as present-day Canada and south into California, reflecting the dynamic relationship the Yakama people maintained with the land and its resources.
The Yakama, historically spelled Yakima, derive their self-name, Waptailmim, which translates to "People of the Narrow River," highlighting their connection to the waterways that sustained their way of life. The Yakama are the primary band within the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation, a collective of related groups bound by shared ancestry, language, and cultural practices. This Nation represents a vibrant and resilient Indigenous community with a deep and enduring relationship to their ancestral homeland.
Traditionally, the Yakama people were skilled hunters, adept fishermen, and knowledgeable gatherers. They possessed an intimate understanding of the natural world, relying on the bounty of the land for their sustenance and well-being. Salmon, a cornerstone of their diet and culture, thrived in the rivers and streams of their territory. Deer, elk, and other game roamed the forests and mountains, providing essential resources for clothing, tools, and sustenance. The Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation gathered a variety of roots, berries, and other plant foods, skillfully managing the landscape to ensure a sustainable harvest.
The history of the Yakama people is marked by periods of both conflict and cooperation with European settlers. The arrival of newcomers brought profound changes to their traditional way of life, challenging their sovereignty and disrupting their relationship with the land. Despite these challenges, the Yakama people have persevered, maintaining their cultural identity and fighting to protect their treaty rights.
A Closer Look at the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation
Official Tribal Name: Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation
Contact Information:
- Address: 401 Fort Road, PO BOX 151, Toppenish, WA 98948
- Phone: (509) 865-5121
- Email: Contact Form available at https://www.yakama.com/contact/
- Official Website: https://www.yakama.com/
Recognition Status: Federally Recognized
Names and Their Meanings:
- Traditional Name: Yakama (pronounced YAYK-uh-muh or YAYK-uh-maw). The origin of the name is subject to varying interpretations. Some suggest it derives from "E-yak-ma," meaning "a growing family," while others point to the Sahaptin word "iyakima," translating to "pregnant ones." Alternative theories propose connections to "yá kama" ("black bear") or "Ya-ki-ná" ("runaway").
- Common Name: Yakama Tribe (formerly Yakima Tribe)
- Meaning of Common Name: They have also been referred to as the Waptailnsim, “people of the narrow river,” and Pa’kiut’lÁma, “people of the gap,” which describes the tribe’s location along the Yakima River. The Yakama identify as the Mamachatpam.
- Alternate Names: Yakima Nation, Toppenish
Language and Cultural Region:
- Region: Plateau Region
- State(s) Today: Washington
Historical Territory and Treaties:
The Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation occupied a vast territory encompassing over 5 million acres in Central and South Central Washington. This area stretched along the Cascade Mountain Range, reaching to the Columbia River and beyond. The Treaty of 1855, a pivotal moment in Yakama history, resulted in the cession of over six million acres to the United States government. This treaty, which also involved the Umatilla, Cayuse, and Walla Walla tribes, was partially a consequence of the Whitman Massacre, a tragic event in which Methodist missionaries and others were killed by a group of young Cayuse.
The Treaty of 1855 was ratified by the U.S. Senate on March 8, 1859, and proclaimed law by the President on April 18, 1859. Although the treaty stipulated a two-year period for the tribes to relocate to their new reservations, Governor Stevens controversially declared the Indian lands open to white settlers just twelve days after the treaty was signed.
Land and Demographics:
- Reservations: Celilo Village, Yakama Nation Reservation, and Off-Reservation Trust Land
- Location: The Yakama Nation Reservation is situated in south-central Washington State.
- Land Area: 1.3 million acres
- Tribal Headquarters: Toppenish, WA
- Time Zone: Pacific
- Estimated Wild Horse Population (2010): Over 12,000
- Registered Population (2000): 31,799
The Tribal Flag:
The Yakama Nation flag features a sky-blue background upon which the white borders of the reservation are displayed. A central image depicts Mount Adams, a sacred peak for the Yakama people. Above the mountain soars a fully colored eagle, symbolizing the tribe’s connection to the land and its resources, particularly salmon. Above the eagle, the "morning star" serves as a symbol of guidance and leadership. Fourteen gold stars and fourteen eagle feathers surround Mount Adams, representing the fourteen bands of the Yakama Nation and the fourteen chiefs who signed the Treaty of 1855. The tribe’s name and the treaty date complete the flag’s design.
Government and Governance:
- Governing Body: Tribal Council
- Number of Council Members: 10, plus executive officers
- Executive Officers: Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Secretary, Assistant Secretary, Sergeant at Arms
Language and Cultural Preservation:
The Yakama language, also known as Yakima Sahaptin or Ichishkíin Sínwit, is a Plateau Penutian language spoken in and around the Yakama Indian Reservation. This language is critically endangered, with only a handful of fluent speakers remaining. However, there is a growing movement to revitalize and preserve the language through educational programs and cultural initiatives. Dictionaries and grammars of the Yakama language are available to support language learning efforts.
Origins and Cultural Organization:
Yakama oral history maintains that the people have resided in their present location since time immemorial. Prior to the reservation era, they roamed over 5 million acres between the Cascade Mountains and the Columbia River. The tribe is composed of 14 distinct bands, each with its own history and cultural traditions. These bands include the Kanaskat, Klickitat, Klinquit, Kow-was-say-ee, Li-ay-was, Palouse, Pisquouse, Se-ap-cat, Shyiks, Skin-pah, Sokulk, Wenatchapam, Wishram, and Yakama. Each band was further divided into clans, groups of families claiming descent from a common ancestor.
Culture and Traditions:
The Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation have a rich cultural heritage encompassing ceremonies, dances, art, and crafts. The (Bison) Soup Dance is one such ceremonial tradition. Women traditionally used strings of hemp, known as Ititamat, as personal diaries, marking significant life events with knots, beads, or shells. The Yakama people also have a rich tradition of oral storytelling, with legends that explain the origins of the world and their place within it.
Modern-Day Developments:
The Yakama Nation is actively engaged in economic development, resource management, and cultural preservation. The Yakama Nation Land Enterprise (YNLE) oversees various projects, including fruit orchards, farm operations, a forest mill, timber sales, a casino and event center, an RV park resort, a sports complex, and an industrial park. The Yakama Nation Fisheries manages resources to ensure the continued access of Yakama members to fulfill their ceremonial, subsistence, and commercial needs. The tribe also operates Yakama Power, which focuses on renewable energy sources, and Yakama Nation Networks, which provides high-speed internet services. The tribe reintroduced bison to the reservation in 1991, and now manages a herd of over 125 animals.
Tourism and Cultural Attractions:
Visitors can learn more about the history and culture of the Yakama people at the Yakama Museum and the Yakama Nation Library, both located at the Cultural Heritage Center in Toppenish, Washington. The Yakama Nation Mt. Adams Recreation Area offers scenic hiking trails and basic campsites.
Religion and Spiritual Beliefs:
The Yakama traditionally believed in a creator and supreme God called Wheemeemeowah, as well as the existence of animal spirits. Shamans played an important role in healing and spiritual guidance. First food feasts were significant ceremonies.
History and Conflict:
The Yakama’s history includes signing the Treaty of 1855 with Governor Isaac Stevens, which was quickly followed by disputes over land and resources. This led to the Yakima War (1855-1859), a period of conflict and resistance against encroaching settlers.
The Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation is a testament to the resilience and enduring spirit of Indigenous peoples. Their ongoing efforts to preserve their culture, language, and treaty rights serve as an inspiration for future generations.