Wasco

Indian Treaties Waco to Yakima

This post outlines a series of treaties negotiated with various Indigenous tribes, including the Waco, Walla Walla, Wasco, Wea, Winnebago, Witchetaw, Wyandot, and Yakima tribes. It details treaties spanning multiple years, noting significant dates such as the Waco Treaty of 1846, Walla Walla Treaties of 1855, and the Yakima Treaty of 1855. Each tribe’s agreements reflect a complex history of negotiation and sovereignty, highlighting the diverse relations between the U.S. government and Indigenous peoples across different regions.

Treaty of November 15, 1865

On November 15, 1865, representatives of the United States and the confederated tribes of Middle Oregon negotiated amendments to a prior treaty from 1855. The new agreement emphasized that these tribes would relinquish their rights to hunt, fish, and gather on ceded lands outside their reservation. It mandated their presence on the reservation and established consequences for violations, including loss of annuities. In return, the U.S. promised resources to aid their agricultural development and allocated land for families. This treaty sought to promote stability and discourage alcohol usage among the tribes.

Treaty of June 25, 1855

On June 25, 1855, a treaty was signed at Wasco, Oregon, between the United States and various chiefs of confederated bands of Indians. The agreement ceded extensive lands in exchange for annual payments, provisions for education, and the establishment of a reservation. Specific rights were guaranteed, including hunting, fishing, and protection from alcohol abuse penalties. The treaty emphasized cooperation, requiring the bands to adhere to U.S. laws while allowing for potential adjustments to reservation lands based on suitability for the tribes’ needs.

Wasco Indian Tribe Photo Descriptions

The Wasco Indian Tribe, related to the Warm Springs and Walla Walla, derives its name from a legend about a chief who created basins in rock for his children. Originally from the Dalles, they now reside on a reservation in Oregon, where they are self-supporting through agriculture, fishing, and hunting. The tribe, which numbers 263 and practices Christianity, stands out as one of the most advanced tribes in the state. Notable members include Kle-Mat-Chosny, Stat-Tla-Ka, and Oscar Mark, each featured in the illustrations.

Wasco Tribe

The Wasco Indians, a Chinookan tribe, inhabited areas along the south side of the Columbia River, particularly near The Dalles in Oregon. Known for their fishing skills, they primarily relied on salmon and various edible plants for subsistence. The tribe’s culture included intricate basketry and woodwork, alongside distinctive burial practices and societal structures with hereditary chiefs. They utilized two types of housing and observed puberty ceremonies, with significant attention to supernatural beliefs involving guardian spirits. The Wasco’s estimated population was around 900 before their relocation to the Warm Springs Reservation in 1855.

Warm Springs Reservation

The Warm Springs Reservation in Oregon, established for the Warm Springs and other neighboring tribes, encompasses 464,000 acres, mostly unsuitable for agriculture. It is home to approximately 924 residents, primarily from the Wasco and Walla Walla tribes. The area’s harsh conditions have led to significant cultural retention and adherence to traditional beliefs, despite some advancement through missionary influence. Recommendations suggest relocating tribes for access to better land, as the existing site proves insufficient for sustainable living and development.