Umatilla Indian Reservation facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Umatilla Indian Reservation
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 Umatilla Indian Reservation
Location in the United States
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Umatilla
Indian Reservation Location in Oregon
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| Tribe | Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation |
| Country | United States |
| State | Oregon |
| County | Umatilla and Union |
| Headquarters | Mission |
| Area | |
| • Total | 702.01 km2 (271.047 sq mi) |
| Website | Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation |
The Umatilla Indian Reservation is a special area of land in the Pacific Northwest of the United States. It was set aside for the Umatilla, Cayuse, and Walla Walla tribes. This happened through a formal agreement called the Treaty of June 9, 1855.
The reservation is located in northeastern Oregon, near the city of Pendleton. Most of it is in Umatilla County, with a small part in Union County. The land is managed by the three tribes together, known as the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation.
The reservation is on the north side of the Blue Mountains. It was created for two tribes who spoke the Sahaptin language: the Umatilla and Walla Walla. It was also for the Cayuse, whose language is no longer spoken. All these tribes have lived in the Columbia Plateau region for a very long time. Today, they share their land and work together as one government.
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Life on the Reservation
The Umatilla Indian Reservation covers about 271 square miles. In 2000, about 2,927 tribal members lived there. Also, around 300 other Native Americans and 1,500 non-Native people live on the reservation.
The main community and tribal headquarters is in Mission. This is also where the Umatilla Agency of the Bureau of Indian Affairs is located. This agency helps the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR) with different services.
Tribal Businesses and Culture
The tribes have created businesses to help their people. One big business is the Wildhorse Casino Resort. It is located near Interstate 84. This casino helps bring money to the tribes.
In 2006, the tribes started a technology company called Cayuse Technologies. This company creates software and offers other tech services. These businesses, including the casino and the tech company, employ about 1,000 people. This has greatly helped reduce unemployment for the tribal members.
The CTUIR also founded the Tamástslikt Cultural Institute. This is a museum that shares the history and current life of the confederated tribes. It also shows amazing Native American art and traditional crafts.
Communities on the Reservation
Here are some of the communities located on the Umatilla Indian Reservation:
- Cayuse
- Gibbon
- Gopher Flats
- Kirkpatrick
- Mission
- Riverside
- Tutuilla
Famous People from the Reservation
- Henry Roe Cloud: He was a superintendent for the Umatilla Indian Reservation.
- Shoni Schimmel: She is a professional basketball player in the WNBA. She was born and grew up on the reservation.
