In the awe-inspiring landscapes we explore, it is crucial to recognize the histories that often remain untold, suppressed, or forgotten. At Chockstone Climbing Guides we want to acknowledge that where we play and work, at Smith Rock State Park, is on the territory of the indigenous Warm Springs, Wasco (Chinook, Tygh), and Paiute tribes. These communities have safeguarded this land for generations, maintaining an unbreakable bond with their ancestral home.
The original stewards were the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs. While visiting Central Oregon, make a visit to the Warm Springs Museum as part of your itinerary. As the museum says, “Celebrate our heritage, remember our past''. Check out their website to plan your visit today.
The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs play a pivotal role in the management and restoration of the protected lands we cherish. These tribal communities have been the custodians of this territory, nurturing and cherishing the land long before our arrival.
The Wascoes, Warm Springs, and Paiutes
- The Wascoes resided along the Columbia River were the easternmost group of Chinookan-speaking American Indians. They were primarily skilled fishermen, known for their expertise in navigating the waterways. Their trade networks extended far and wide, connecting them with neighboring tribes such as the Clakamas, Warm Springs, and Nez Perce. Noteworthy commodities in Wasco trade included root bread, salmon meal, and bear grass.
- The Warm Springs bands settled along the tributaries of the Columbia River. They spoke Sahaptin. Unlike the Wascoes, these bands exhibited a nomadic lifestyle, alternating between winter and summer villages. Salmon held paramount importance in their diet and culture. Interaction between Warm Springs bands and the Wascoes was frequent, culminating in extensive trade and cultural exchange.
- The Paiutes lived in the high desert plains. The Paiutes, located in southeastern Oregon, spoke a Shoshonean dialect. Their existence in the high plains necessitated frequent migrations in search of game, with fish playing a lesser role in their sustenance. The Paiute language was distinct from that of the Wasco and Warm Springs bands, reflecting the rich diversity of indigenous cultures in the region.
Arrival of White Settlers
The 1800s witnessed the arrival of waves of immigrants from the east, forever altering the traditional way of life for the indigenous bands of Oregon. By 1852, an influx of up to 12,000 settlers annually traversed Wasco and Warm Springs territories. In 1855, the superintendent for the Oregon Territory received orders to displace the indigenous communities and establish a treaty, forming the Warm Springs Reservation. This treaty led to the relinquishment of approximately ten million acres of land by the Warm Springs and Wasco tribes, but they retained the Warm Springs Reservation for their exclusive use.
Tribal Governance
In 1937, the three tribes united as the Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs Reservation of Oregon. They adopted a constitution and by-laws, signaling a new era of tribal self-governance. The subsequent acceptance of a corporate charter in 1938 marked a significant step towards self-sufficiency and autonomy.
Recognizing and honoring the histories of the Warm Springs, Wasco, and Paiute tribes is not only a gesture of respect but a testament to the enduring connection between these communities and the land. It is through understanding, appreciation, and meaningful action that we can truly pay homage to the original stewards of this remarkable territory.
