Description
Wasco-Wishram are two closely related Chinook Indian tribes from the Columbia River in Oregon. Today the tribes are part of the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs living in the Warm Springs Indian Reservation in Oregon and Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation living in the Yakama Indian Reservation in Washington. The Wishram and Wasco are Plateau tribes that are closely related and share many cultural aspects of the Northwest Coast tribes. They lived along the banks of the Columbia River, near The Dalles.
Language
part of the Upper Chinookan or Kiksht division of the Chinookan language
Culture
Both tribes are known for their intricate wood carving, beadwork, and basketry. Although they were principally fishermen, their frequent contact with other Indians throughout the region provided for abundant trade. The Plateau tribes were semi-nomadic. They moved from place to place throughout the year to gather edible vegetables and fruits. The gathering of these plants is still a traditional way of life among many of the people of these tribes today. Fishing was very important to these tribes. A village was home to between a few hundred and a thousand people, although the community could house more than that during major events.