Wasco–Wishram
Wasco-Wishram are two closely related Chinook Indian tribes from the Columbia River in Oregon. Today the tribes are part of the Warm Springs Reservation in Oregon and Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation in Washington.[1]
History
The Wishram and Wasco are Plateau tribes that are closely related and share many cultural aspects of the Northwest Coast tribes. They lived along the banks of the Columbia River, near The Dalles. The Dalles were a prime trading location, and the tribes benefited from a vast trade network. Unfortunately, the 19th brought non-Indians and European diseases, which took a great toll on the Wasco and Wishram populations. Both tribes were forced by the United States in 1855 to sign treaties ceding the majority of their lands. These treaties established the Warm Springs Reservation.[1]
Wasco
Wasco comes from the word, Wacq!ó, which means "cup" or "small bowl," which refers to a distinct bowl-shaped rock near the tribe's primary historical village. They traditionally lived on the south sides of the Columbia River. In 1822, their population was estimated to be 900.[2]
Wishram
The Wishram are known as the Tlakluit and Echeloot. They traditionally settled in permanent villages along the north banks of the Columbia River. In the 18th century, the estimated Wishram population was 1,500. In 1962 only 10 Wishrams were counted on the Washington census.[1]
Fishing rights
The 1855 treaties signed by the Wasco-Wishram provide for the tribes to fish "at all ... usual and accustomed stations in common with the citizens of the United States..." Between 1938 and 1956, the Bonneville Dam, Grand Coulee Dam, and The Dalles Dam all wreaked havoc upon native fisheries. The government paid money to the tribes to compensate the loss of fish; however, that provided no compensation for the cultural and religious importance that fishing for salmon and steelhead held for the tribe. In 1974 a landmark court case confirmed the rights of Northwest Coast tribes to fish as they have historically done.[1]
Today
The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs Reservation of Oregon has 4,000 enrolled tribal members that are Wasco, Walla Walla, Tenino (Warm Springs), and Paiute.[3] 200 of these 4,000 are estimated to be Wasco.[2] Wishram are predominantly enrolled in the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation in Washington state.
Language
The Wasco-Wishram language is part of the Upper Chinookan or Kiksht division of the Penutian language family.[1] Currently, five elders from the Warm Springs Reservation are fluent speakers. The tribe has a language program to revive its use among tribal members of all ages.[4]
Art
Both tribes are known for their intricate wood carving, beadwork, and basketry.[5] Wasco-Tlingit artist Pat Courtney Gold takes traditional Wasco-Wishram designs and weaves them into contemporary baskets.[6]
See also
- Chinookan
- Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs
- Nelson Wallulatum, Wasco chief
- Wasco-Wishram language
- Wishram village
References
- ^ a b c d e Pritzer, Barry M. A Native American Encyclopedia: History, Culture, and Peoples. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2000: 286-7. ISBN 978-0-19-513877-1 (retrieved through Google Books, 9 April 2009)
- ^ a b Wasco Indian History. Access Genealogy: Indian Tribal Records. (retrieved 9 April 2009)
- ^ The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs Reservation of Oregon. (retrieved 9 April 2009)
- ^ Culture: Language. The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs Reservation of Oregon. 2009 (retrieved 9 April 2009)
- ^ Bernstein, Bruce and Gerald McMaster. First American Art: The Charles and Valerie Diker Collection of American Indian Art. Washington, DC: Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian, 2004: 41,71, 152-3, 219. ISBN 978-0-295-98403-2.
- ^ Pat Courtney Gold. Craft in America. (retrieved 9 April 2009)