Klikitat

Indian Grievances and Camp Stevens Treaty

Fort Walla Walla in 1857

Before the Indian Wars, the U.S. government sought to address Native American grievances, often stemming from misinterpretations of policies or encroachments by settlers. In 1858, unrest among tribes in the northwest indicated potential conflict, particularly surrounding unratified treaties made by Governor Stevens. General Clarke, recognizing the dissatisfaction over these treaties and fearing hostilities, advised against their enforcement until ratification was complete. Efforts were made to reassure tribes about their lands, yet complications arose from conflicting statements by Indian bureau representatives, exacerbating tensions.

Treaty of June 9, 1855 – Yakima

On June 9, 1855, at Camp Stevens in Walla Walla Valley, Governor Isaac I. Stevens and representatives of the Yakama, Palouse, and other tribes signed a treaty ceding their lands to the United States. In exchange, the tribes were granted a reservation and promised monetary support, education, and infrastructure development. The treaty outlined rights for hunting, fishing, and land use while affirming the tribes’ dependence on the U.S. government. It included regulations on liquor use and obligations for peaceful relations with settlers and other tribes.

Klikitat Tribe

The Klikitat Tribe, a Shahaptian group, historically inhabited the headwaters of the Cowlitz, Lewis, White Salmon, and Klickitat rivers in Washington. They interacted with neighboring Yakima and various coastal tribes, gaining recognition as traders. In the early 19th century, their population declined due to an epidemic, leading to temporary territorial expansion before retreating back north. They participated in the 1855 Yakima treaty, ceding their lands and now primarily reside on the Yakima Reservation, where they have largely merged with related tribes.