The Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR) represent a powerful and enduring alliance of three distinct, yet culturally interconnected, Sahaptin-speaking Native American tribes: the Cayuse, Umatilla, and Walla Walla. These sovereign nations have a rich history rooted in the expansive Columbia River Plateau region, an area defined by its diverse ecosystems, crucial trade routes, and abundant natural resources that sustained their people for millennia. As a federally recognized confederation, the CTUIR holds governmental authority and jurisdiction over its land and members, signifying its inherent right to self-governance and cultural preservation within the United States.

A pivotal moment in the history of the CTUIR was the signing of the Treaty of Walla Walla in 1855. This landmark agreement, negotiated between the leaders of the Walla Walla, Cayuse, and Umatilla peoples and representatives of the United States government, notably Governor Isaac Stevens of Washington Territory, resulted in the dramatic cession of an immense portion of their ancestral homelands. The tribes relinquished approximately 6.4 million acres (26,000 km2) – a vast territory that now encompasses significant parts of northeastern Oregon and southeastern Washington. In return for this profound sacrifice, the tribes were promised a much smaller, consolidated reservation of about 250,000 acres (1,000 km2), along with annuities in the form of essential goods and supplies. This treaty, like many others of its era, fundamentally altered the lives and land tenure of the tribes, concentrating them onto a fraction of their traditional territories.

Today, the Umatilla Indian Reservation is a vibrant and active community spanning approximately 271 square miles (700 km2) within Umatilla County, in the scenic northeast region of Oregon state. The confederated tribes have successfully established a sophisticated joint political structure to govern their shared reservation. This self-governance model typically involves a General Council, comprising all adult tribal members, and an elected Board of Trustees that handles day-to-day operations and policy implementation. The central tribal offices, serving as the administrative hub for the CTUIR, are strategically located just east of Pendleton, Oregon.

A unique aspect of the reservation's land ownership is its "checkerboard" pattern, a direct legacy of the federal allotment policies, such as the Dawes Act of 1887. This historical legislation aimed to break up communally held tribal lands into individual parcels, leading to significant portions being sold or lost to non-Native Americans. Consequently, almost half of the reservation land is currently owned by non-Native Americans, creating complex challenges related to jurisdiction, resource management, and economic development. Despite these complexities, the reservation remains ecologically vital, encompassing significant portions of the Umatilla River watershed. This watershed is not only culturally paramount to the tribes but also a focus of extensive salmon restoration efforts, demonstrating the CTUIR's commitment to environmental stewardship and the revitalization of traditional food sources and practices.

The CTUIR is a dynamic and diverse community. As of 2013, the confederation had a population of approximately 2,916 enrolled members. Reflecting the historical and contemporary realities of tribal life, roughly half of the tribal population resides directly on or in close proximity to the reservation, while many others maintain strong cultural and familial ties from elsewhere. The reservation also serves as home to a broader Native American community, including around 300 individuals enrolled with other respected tribes such as the Yakama, Tenino (part of the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs), and Nez Percé. Furthermore, about 1,500 non-Native American individuals also live within the reservation boundaries, contributing to the rich tapestry of cultures and perspectives found on the Umatilla Indian Reservation.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR)

What tribes form the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation?

The CTUIR is a federally recognized confederation comprising three distinct Sahaptin-speaking tribes: the Cayuse, Umatilla, and Walla Walla.

Where is the Umatilla Indian Reservation located?

The reservation is situated in Umatilla County, in the northeastern part of Oregon state, with its tribal offices just east of Pendleton, Oregon.

What was the significance of the Treaty of Walla Walla in 1855?

The Treaty of Walla Walla was a pivotal agreement where the Cayuse, Umatilla, and Walla Walla peoples ceded approximately 6.4 million acres of their ancestral lands in exchange for a much smaller reservation and the promise of annuities from the United States government.

How is the CTUIR governed?

The CTUIR operates under a sophisticated joint political structure, typically involving a General Council of all adult tribal members and an elected Board of Trustees responsible for daily governance and policy implementation.

Why is some of the reservation land owned by non-Native Americans?

This "checkerboard" land ownership pattern is largely a legacy of historical federal policies, such as the Dawes Act of 1887, which sought to divide communally held tribal lands into individual allotments, often leading to the sale or loss of land to non-Native individuals.

What is the Umatilla River watershed's importance to the CTUIR?

The Umatilla River watershed holds significant cultural importance to the tribes and is a critical area for ongoing salmon restoration efforts, reflecting the CTUIR's deep commitment to environmental stewardship and the revitalization of traditional resources.