| Question |
Answer |
| What are the 3 tribes that constitute The Confederated Tribes of Warm Speings? |
Warm Springs, Wasco, and Paiutes. For more information, please visit the History and Culture page of the Warm Springs website. |
| When was the reservation created and how big is it? |
It was created June 25th with the signing of The Treaty of 1855 which extablished the boundaries of the reservation was signed by leaders of the Wasco and Warm Springs tribes at The Dalles, Oregon. Over 10 million acres was ceded. The area of the reservation is approx. 1,000 sq. miles containing 650,000 acres. About half is forested land, while the other half is open range land. |
| What is some of the history and customs of each tribe? |
The Wascoes primarily lived along the Columbia River and were considered fishermen and traders. They traded salmon, root bread, bear grass and other items with the Warm Springs (Sahaptin) for game, and the Nez Perce for furs, clothes and horses, and to the the tribes from the west roots and beads. |
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Salmon was and still is the most important staple for the Wasco and Warm Springs tribes. They both still build and use scaffolds and use long-handled dip nets and set nets to harvest salmon. Historically they kept in contact, even though they had separate languages and different customs. |
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The Warm Springs bands migrated between summer and winter villages as they depended on seasonal resources such as salmon, roots, berries and game. |
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The Paiutes didn't become a part of the Confederated Tribes until about 22 years after the Treaty of 1855. In transition from a prison in Washington to their original homelands in southern Oregon and Nevada, they stopped over in Warm Springs for a rest and stayed. The Warm Springs and Wasco tribes welcomed them to the area and so began their relationship as one of the Confederated Tribes. |
| Does the Warm Springs reservation have its own government? |
Yes. The Indian Reorganization Act of 1934 was passed by Congress. In 1937, the Tribes organized by adopting a Constitution and By-Laws. In 1938, they formally adopted a Corporate Charter. The Constitution established an 11 member Tribal Council that governs the reservation. Three members are Chiefs of the three tribes and are members for life. The 8 others are elected by the tribal membership. |
| Who designed The Museum? |
Stastny and Burke Architects of Portland, Oregon designed it with much input from the tribal elders and other members. All the symbols incorporated within the design are the result of many meetings, and all represent some history, culture, lifestyle and ceremonies of the three tribes of Warm Springs. |
| Does The Museum have any special events? |
Yes. Changing exhibits are featured at least 4 times a year. There is also the Living Traditions program which are live demonstrations hosted by Tribal Members every weekend during the summer. Workshops are offered for children and adults.Many fund-raising events are held throughout the year. Please visit our events page for more information. |
| What items are sold in the Gift Shop? |
Local beadwork, art, Native American fashions, turquoise/silver jewelry, books, huckleberry products, stationery, Native American music, locally made weaving baskets and bags. |
| What does "TWANAT" mean? |
Carved in granite over the front entrance of The Museum, it means "TO FOLLOW" (traditions and culture) in the Sahaptin or Warm Springs language. |
| What other attractions can a visitor see or do? |
The most popular attraction is the Kah-Nee-Ta High Desert Resort & Casino with amenities such as golf, kayaking, guided horseback rides, swimming, mini-golf, volleyball, basketball, hiking and biking. During the summer, there is Native American dancing and salmon bakes. In the immediate area of Warm Springs, there are Pow-Wows, rodeos, fishing and ballgames to name a few. |
| Are there restaurants close by? |
Just right across the highway from The Museum is The Indian Trail Restaurant. About a mile east is the Deschutes Crossing Restaurant, and 12 miles north is the Kah-Nee-Ta resort. Also close by are deli-type eateries located in the Warm Springs Market and the Rainbow Grocery. |
