Yakama Indian Reservation facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation
|
|
|---|---|
.png)
Location of the Yakama Indian Reservation within Washington
|
|
| Country |  United States |
| State | Washington |
| Negotiated | c. 1855 |
| Government | |
| • Body | Yakama Nation Tribal Council |
| Population
(2020)
|
|
| • Total | 31,591 |
Map of the Yakama Indian Reservation
|
|
| Total population | |
|---|---|
| 31,799 (2000) | |
| Regions with significant populations | |
| United States (Washington) | |
| Languages | |
| English, Spanish, Ichishkíin Sínwit | |
| Related ethnic groups | |
| other Klikitat, Palus, Wallawalla, Wenatchi, Wishram, and Yakama peoples |
The Yakama Indian Reservation is a special area in Washington state set aside for Native American people. It is home to the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation. This group is made up of several different peoples, including the Klikitat, Palus, Wallawalla, Wenatchi, Wishram, and Yakama tribes. Until 1994, the name was spelled Yakima, but the tribe changed it to Yakama to match their original treaty.
Contents
Where is the Yakama Reservation Located?
The Yakama Reservation is found on the east side of the Cascade Mountains in southern Washington state. Part of Mount Adams, a large volcano, is also within this area.
Size and Population of the Reservation
The reservation is very large, covering about 2,186 square miles (5,662 square kilometers). This makes it one of the bigger reservations in the United States. In 2000, about 31,799 people lived there. Most of the reservation is in Yakima County, with a small part in Klickitat County. The biggest town on the reservation is Toppenish.
Land Ownership on the Reservation
Most of the land, about 80%, is held in trust by the United States government for the Yakama Nation and its members. This means the land is protected for the tribe. The other 20% of the land is owned by private individuals.
Wild Horses on the Rangeland
A large part of the reservation, about 410,000 acres, is shrub-steppe rangeland. This is a type of dry grassland. In 2014, many wild horses lived on these lands. The tribe works to manage the horse population to keep the land healthy.
History of the Yakama Nation
The Yakama Reservation was created in 1855. This happened through a special agreement called a treaty, signed by Washington Territory Governor Isaac Stevens and leaders from the Yakama tribe.
The Yakima War and Its Causes
Some Native leaders felt that the people who signed the treaty did not have the right to give away tribal land. They believed that the whole tribe had not agreed to the terms. This disagreement led to a conflict known as the Yakima War (1855–1858), where the Yakama and their allies fought against the United States.
Northern Paiute People on the Reservation
After another conflict called the Bannock War in 1878, the U.S. government made the Northern Paiute people move from Nevada to the Yakama Reservation. Most of the Paiute had not been involved in that war. They faced many hardships on the Yakama Reservation because resources were limited. After more than ten years, they were allowed to return to Nevada in 1886.
Changing the Tribe's Name Spelling
In 1994, the Yakama Tribal Council made an important decision. They voted to change the spelling of their tribe's name from Yakima to Yakama. This change made the spelling match the original 1855 treaty. The way the name is said out loud stayed the same.
Impact of Wildfires on the Reservation
The Yakama Reservation was affected by the Cougar Creek fire in 2015. This was one of the 2015 Washington wildfires. About 80% of this fire burned on the reservation's land. The Yakama Nation worked to clean up the damaged areas by removing burned trees.
Who Can Be a Member of the Yakama Nation?
In 2009, about 10,000 people were officially enrolled members of the Yakama Nation. To become a member, a person needs to have at least one-quarter Yakama heritage. This is a rule called blood quantum.
How the Yakama Nation Supports Itself
The Yakama Nation works hard to create jobs and improve life for its members.
Forest Management and Lumber
The tribe manages a large amount of forest land. They own one of the biggest commercial forests in the country. This forest provides many jobs and is a major source of income for the tribe. They even have a lumber mill that helps the local economy.
Tribal Casino Operations
The Yakama Nation also operates a casino. This is one of the few Native American casinos in the United States that does not serve alcohol.
Providing Free Bus Services
The Yakama Nation is one of several tribal governments in the northwestern United States that offers free bus service on its reservation. This helps people get around easily.
Communities on the Yakama Reservation
Images for kids
-
Map of the Yakama Indian Reservation
-
Another map of the Yakama Indian Reservation
See also
In Spanish: Reserva india Yakama para niños
