Umatilla Tribal Songs

Umatilla Tribal Singers

Canyon Records
Singers: Lonnie Selam, Ronald J. Pond, Gabriel J. Selam, Sal Selam, Bill A. Johnson, Sr., Alex Johnson

The Umatilla Indian Reservation of northeast Oregon, east of the Cascades, is the home of approximately 900 members, belonging to three closely related tribes: Umatilla, Cayuse, and Walla Walla.

In prehistoric and early times, the people were semi-nomadic and moved about in bands over what is now eastern Oregon and Washington, and what is now Idaho. As members of the Plateau Indian culture, they lived a somewhat remote and uncomplicated life in those days, as hunters, fishermen, and rood gatherers.

Dramatic changes were to take place beginning with the introduction of the horse which reached the Umatilla people as early as 1739. Soon, annual trips were made to the Plains to hunt the buffalo. Fighting and trading on the Plains also took place, especially witht he Blackfoot. This meant a whole new life style, such as living in tipis, wearing skin clothing, moccasins, war bonnets, and choosing of chiefs for their war honors and ability.

Trappers and traders began entering the Oregon region in the 1800's bringing with them illnesses from which the Plateau peoples had no immunity. Smallpox, in particular, was fatal to many. In 1854, the territorial governor was instructed by the Federal Government to buy the Indian land. This accomplished, the present reservation in Umatilla County was established. Total area today is 245,799 acres.

Culturally, these tribe are closely related to the Nez Perce, Yakima, and Warm Springs.

Tribal government on the reservation today operates under a tribal constitution approved in 1949. All tribal members belong to a general council which has delegated most of its powers to a board of trustees, a nine-member body elected by the general council.

A Tribal Leasing Enterprise and a Tribal Farming Enterprise have been organized to develop and manage reservation land.

The reservation is easily reached from Pendleton which is five miles west. Various activities on or near the reservation attract many visitors. The nearby Columbia River and the Blue Mountain Hunting Range are popular recreation outlets. An annual Root Festival sponsored by the Tribal Celebration Committee in late April is followed by the Indian Festival of Arts in nearby La Grande, Oregon, in late June. The world famous Pendleton Roundup in mid-September features a tipi village, parade, and rodeo; and in late November a Thanksgiving Potluck is held on the reservation.

Notes . . . Glenn H. White

Play song

Name

Performed by

Description

Native Words

Translation

Notes

Chief's Dance Song Umatilla
Fast War Dance Umatilla
Owl Dance 1 Umatilla
Circle Dance 1 Umatilla
Circle Dance 2 Umatilla
Owl Dance 2 Umatilla
Hoop Dance Umatilla
Horse Dance Umatilla
Owl Dance 3 Umatilla
Contest Song (Trick Dance) Uamtilla
Circle Dance 3 Umatilla
Slow War Dance Song Umatilla