Oregon, a state renowned for its diverse landscapes and rich history, is also home to a vibrant Native American heritage. Within its borders lie several Indian reservations, each serving as a sovereign nation and a testament to the enduring legacy of Oregon’s first peoples. These reservations, established through treaties, executive orders, and acts of Congress, represent a complex history of land agreements, cultural preservation, and self-governance. This article provides a detailed overview of the recognized Oregon Indian Reservations, shedding light on their establishment, associated tribes, and land area.
It is crucial to acknowledge that the information presented here reflects historical documents and legal agreements, some of which were created during periods of significant injustice and displacement of Native American tribes. The ongoing relationship between the United States government and tribal nations is one of continuous evolution, marked by efforts toward reconciliation, self-determination, and the honoring of treaty obligations.
This exploration of Oregon Indian Reservations aims to provide informative descriptions of each reservation’s history and tribal affiliations.
A Closer Look at Oregon’s Indian Reservations
The following section provides a detailed look at each of the five federally recognized Indian reservations in Oregon, based on available historical information.
Grande Ronde Reservation
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Tribes: The Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde Community of Oregon are comprised of a diverse collection of tribes, including Kalapuya (also spelled Calapooya), Clackamas, Cow Creek (Nahankhuotana), Lakmiut, Mary’s River (Chepenafa), Molala (Molalla), Nestucca, Rogue River (Chasta), Santiam, Shasta (Chastacosta), Tumwater, Umpqua, Wapato, and Yamhill (Yamel) peoples. This diverse tribal composition reflects the historical consolidation of various groups onto the reservation.
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Establishment: The Grande Ronde Reservation was established through a series of treaties and executive orders. These include treaties dated January 22, 1855, and December 21, 1855, followed by an Executive Order on June 30, 1857. Further adjustments and agreements were formalized through the Act of April 28, 1904, which amended and ratified an agreement from June 27, 1901. The initial establishment involved reserving 440 acres for government use and allotting 33,148 acres to 269 individual tribal members.
The history of the Grande Ronde Reservation is marked by both resilience and hardship. The forced relocation of various tribes to the reservation resulted in the blending of distinct cultures and languages. Despite the challenges, the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde have worked tirelessly to preserve their heritage, reclaim their sovereignty, and build a thriving community. Today, the tribe operates various enterprises, including a casino, hotel, and cultural center, contributing significantly to the local economy and providing essential services to its members.
Klamath Reservation
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Tribes: The Klamath Reservation was originally established for the Klamath, Modoc, and Paiute tribes. In addition to these primary groups, the reservation also included the Pit River (Achomawi), Walpape (Walpapi), and the Yahuskin band of Snakes (Shoshoni). This diverse tribal composition reflected the government’s policy of consolidating various Native American groups onto single reservations.
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Acres: 872,186
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Establishment: The Klamath Reservation was established by the Treaty of October 14, 1864. The initial allocation included 177,719.62 acres allotted to 1,174 individual tribal members, and 6,094.77 acres reserved for agency, school, and church purposes. The remaining 872,186 acres were designated as unallotted and unreserved. Further adjustments and land allocations were addressed through the Act of May 27, 1902, the Indian Appropriation Act approved April 21, 1904, and the Act of March 3, 1905. These acts authorized the continued allotment of lands within the reservation.
It is critical to note that the Klamath Tribes’ federal recognition was terminated in 1954, resulting in the loss of their reservation land and the disruption of their tribal government. This termination period was a devastating chapter in the Klamath Tribes’ history. However, after decades of struggle and advocacy, the Klamath Tribes were officially restored to federal recognition in 1986. Although they no longer possess their original reservation lands, the Klamath Tribes continue to work towards restoring their land base and strengthening their cultural identity.
Siletz Reservation
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Tribes: The Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians is comprised of a diverse array of tribes, including Alsea, Coquille (Mishikhwutmetunne), Kusan, Kawasami, Rogue River (Chasta), Skoton, Shasta (Chastacosta), Saiustkea (Shinwauk?), Siuslaw, Tututni, Umpqua, and thirteen other distinct groups. This amalgamation of tribes reflects the historical realities of forced relocation and consolidation onto the Siletz Reservation.
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Acres: 3,200
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Establishment: The Siletz Reservation’s establishment is rooted in the unratified treaty of August 11, 1855, followed by Executive Orders on November 9, 1855, and December 21, 1865. Subsequent legal frameworks included the Act of March 3, 1875, and the agreement of October 31, 1892, ratified by the Act of August 15, 1894. Initial land allocations involved 47,716.34 acres allotted to 551 individual tribal members. The remaining 177,563.66 acres, with the exception of 5 sections, were ceded to the United States, as proclaimed by the President on May 16, 1895. Further adjustments were made through the Acts of May 31, 1900, and March 3, 1901.
The Siletz Reservation, like other reservations, experienced periods of significant land loss and government interference. However, the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians have demonstrated remarkable resilience in preserving their cultural heritage and working towards self-determination. The tribe operates various programs and services to benefit its members, including healthcare, education, and cultural preservation initiatives. They are also actively involved in economic development projects to create sustainable opportunities for the community.
Umatilla Reservation
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Tribes: The Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation consist of the Cayuse, Umatilla, and Wallawalla tribes. These three distinct tribes have historically shared close cultural and linguistic ties.
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Acres: 79,820
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Establishment: The Umatilla Reservation was established by the Treaty of June 9, 1855. Subsequent legal actions included the Act of August 5, 1882, the Act of March 3, 1885, the Act of October 17, 1888, and orders from the Secretary of the Interior on December 4, 1888. The initial allocation involved 76,933.90 acres allotted to 893 individual tribal members, and 980 acres reserved for school and mission purposes. Further adjustments were made through the Act of July 1, 1902.
The Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation have a strong tradition of self-governance and cultural preservation. They have actively worked to protect their treaty rights, natural resources, and cultural heritage. The tribe operates a variety of enterprises, including agriculture, forestry, and tourism, contributing significantly to the regional economy. They also prioritize education and healthcare for their members, ensuring a strong future for the Umatilla people.
Warm Springs Reservation
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Tribes: The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs Reservation of Oregon are comprised of the Des Chutes (Tyich), John Day, Paiute, Tenino, Warm Springs (Tilknni), and Wasco tribes. This diverse tribal composition reflects the historical consolidation of various groups onto the reservation.
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Acres: 322,108
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Establishment: The Warm Springs Reservation was established by the Treaty of June 25, 1855. The initial allocation involved 140,696.45 acres allotted to 969 individual tribal members, and 1,195 acres reserved for church, school, and agency purposes. The remaining 322,108 acres were designated as unallotted and unreserved.
The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs Reservation are known for their strong cultural identity and commitment to self-determination. They have successfully managed their natural resources, including timber, water, and fisheries, to benefit their community. The tribe operates a variety of enterprises, including a resort, casino, and hydroelectric dam, contributing significantly to the regional economy. They also prioritize education, healthcare, and cultural preservation for their members, ensuring a strong and vibrant future for the Warm Springs people. The Oregon Indian Reservations are a testament to the resilience of the first peoples of Oregon.
Conclusion
The Oregon Indian Reservations represent a complex and multifaceted history of Native American tribes within the state. Established through treaties, executive orders, and acts of Congress, these reservations serve as sovereign nations and centers of cultural preservation. While the history of these reservations is marked by periods of hardship and injustice, the tribes have demonstrated remarkable resilience in maintaining their cultural identities, asserting their sovereignty, and working towards a brighter future for their members. The five federally recognized Indian reservations in Oregon – Grande Ronde, Klamath, Siletz, Umatilla, and Warm Springs – each possess a unique history and tribal composition, reflecting the diverse Native American heritage of the state. The story of the Oregon Indian Reservations is an ongoing narrative of perseverance, self-determination, and the enduring strength of Native American culture.