Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation facts for kids

The Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation is a group of Native American tribes. They are officially recognized by the United States government. This group manages the Colville Indian Reservation in northeastern Washington, United States. They act as the government for their people.

The Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation include twelve different tribes:

Homelands of the Colville Tribes

The traditional lands of these tribes were very large. They covered most of what is now eastern Washington state. Their lands also reached into British Columbia, Idaho, and Oregon. Many of these tribes are named after rivers. These rivers flow from the North Cascades mountains or the Okanagon Highlands. Small towns often grew where these rivers met the Columbia River.

A New Home for the Nez Perce

The Nez Perce tribe on the Colville Reservation are descendants of Chief Joseph's band. They originally came from northeast Oregon. After a difficult journey known as the "Flight of the Nez Perce" in 1877, Chief Joseph and his people surrendered. They were not allowed to go back to their homes in Oregon. Instead, they were moved to the Colville Reservation. Most of the Nez Perce tribe lives on their own reservation in Idaho.

Creating the Reservation

In 1872, the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation were officially formed. This happened through an order from President Ulysses S. Grant. The Colville Reservation was created for these tribes. It was a very large area with many different types of land and resources. Later, the reservation was made smaller. Some of the best lands were taken away. These lands were then opened for new settlers from Europe and America.

Important People from the Tribes

Many people from the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation have made a difference. Here are a few notable members:

• Lucy Covington (1910-1982, Moses-Columbia) was an important activist for Native American rights.
• Joe Feddersen (born 1953, Okanagan) is a talented artist. He creates sculptures, paintings, photographs, and mixed-media art.
• Chief Moses (1829-1899, Moses-Columbia) was a respected Native American Chief.
• Lawney Reyes (born 1951, Sinixt) is an artist, author, and activist.
• Luana Reyes (1933–2001, Sinixt) was an activist and educator in health care.
• Stella Runnels (1918-2010) was a nurse and activist. She helped set up a health clinic during the Occupation of Alcatraz.
• Bernie Whitebear (1937–2000, Sinixt) was a strong voice for Native American rights.