Media Advisory
Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation
PO Box 638, Pendleton, Oregon, 97801
Phone: 541-966-2033 or 969-3108

May 25, 2005
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Debra Croswell 541-966-2033 or cell 541-969-3108, debracroswell@ctuir.com

 

Tribes to commemorate 1855 Treaty
with unique event at Walla Walla

What: Honoring Procession and Friendship Feast
When: Saturday, May 28 at 10 a.m.
Where: Wainwright Veterans Administration Grounds - Walla Walla, Washington

The media is invited to attend this unique event that will commemorate the 150th Anniversary of the Treaties of 1855. The event is being held in Walla Walla, the site of the Treaty Council 150 years ago. The Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR) is the lead tribe organizing the event, which will consist of Tribal members from the CTUIR, Nez Perce, and Yakama Tribes dressed in traditional regalia who will pay tribute to their ancestors who signed the Treaty of 1855 with the United States government.

The Honoring Procession is a ceremonial event that will involve Tribal members on horseback (several dozen horses expected), on foot and, for those unable to walk the full distance around the Grounds, on flat bed trailers. Leading the Procession will be Veterans from all three Reservations and an announcer who will speak about the Treaties and the ancestors. Drum groups and religious leaders from each of the three Reservations will conduct ceremonial honoring songs and a traditional "Washat" (Indian religion) blessing.

Following the Honoring Procession, a Friendship Feast will be held at the VA Grounds. The Tribes are providing salmon, elk and buffalo meat, and fry bread. The citizens of Walla Walla have organized and are bringing salads, desserts and related items. The Feast is being planned to serve up to 1,500 people. Following the meal, Tribal leaders, elders and dignitaries from local, state and federal governments will have an opportunity to address the crowd and talk about the significance of the 1855 Treaties. The public is invited to attend the Procession, Feast and talks.

Photos and recording are welcome during most of the day. There will be times when recording and photographs are not allowed (during Washat/Indian religion songs and prayers) and emcees will announce those times. The Honoring Procession provides the best photo opportunities with potentially hundreds of Native Americans in traditional regalia.

For additional background on the Treaty of 1855 and the 150th Anniversary events planned for the next two weeks, go to www.umatilla.nsn.us/treaty150.html .

For on site parking, please contact Debra Croswell to obtain a News Media Parking Permit.
Debra Croswell, CTUIR Communications Director, at 541-969-3108 (cell) or 541-966-2033 (office).

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