Description
The Yakama are a Native American tribe with nearly 10,851 members, based primarily in eastern Washington state. Yakama people today are enrolled in the federally recognized tribe, the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation. The Yakama people are similar to the other native inhabitants of the Columbia River Plateau. As a consequence of the Walla Walla Council and the Yakima War of 1855, the tribe was forced to cede much of their land and move onto their present reservation.
Language
Sahaptin
Culture
As with many other Plateau Indians, the Yakama were primarily salmon fishers before colonization. In the early 21st century they continued to be involved in wildlife management and fisheries. Yakamas continue spiritual practices like the sweat house cleansing in preparation for traditional life way activities like medicine food gathering and participating in seasonal first-food feasts of thanks and respect to other beings with whom we share Mother Earth.