The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs rang in the 171st anniversary of their historic treaty with the United States government with five days of celebration last week, honoring their culture, their people, and the agreement that has defined their legal relationship with the federal government for nearly two centuries.
The Treaty's Significance
The treaty was signed on June 25, 1855, bringing together three distinct tribal groups — the Warm Springs Tribe, the Wasco Tribe, and the Paiute Tribe — as the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs. In exchange for ceding millions of acres of ancestral land, the Tribes reserved the right to continue fishing, hunting, and gathering in their traditional territories and retained a permanent homeland on the Warm Springs Reservation.
Today, the reservation spans nearly 1,100 square miles across Jefferson and Wasco counties and is home to approximately 4,000 enrolled members.
Pi-Ume-Sha: Five Days of Celebration
From June 23-28, tribal members and visitors gathered on the reservation for Pi-Ume-Sha — a Sahaptin word meaning "celebration" — which included a rodeo, a community barbecue, and three days of powwow on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
The powwow featured dance and regalia competitions across categories ranging from "tiny tots" (age 6 and under) to men and women 60-and-older. Winners in each category received cash prizes, though the spirit of the event ran much deeper than competition.
"It takes a lot of work, but it's well worth it when you see all the smiling faces," said Sharon Katchia, secretary of the confederation. "One of the things our grandparents taught us growing up is, you know, take care of one another."
Katchia said she was moved by seeing family members and visitors who had traveled from far away returning to the reservation for the occasion.
A Message from a Champion
The winner of the men's 60-and-older dance competition offered a reflection after his win that resonated throughout the fairgrounds. He told the crowd that the day isn't about cash prizes — it's about being together, celebrating their treaty, and protecting their culture for future generations.
Pi-Ume-Sha also included vendors selling handmade jewelry, clothing, and a variety of food and drinks.
A Living History
The 1855 Warm Springs Treaty is not a relic of the past — it is a living legal document that continues to shape the rights and sovereignty of the Confederated Tribes today. Treaty rights to salmon fishing, hunting, and gathering remain active and have been the subject of significant legal battles and negotiations well into the 21st century.
As the county's largest neighbor and employer, the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs are central to the culture, economy, and identity of Jefferson County. Pi-Ume-Sha offers the broader community a window into that history and an invitation to celebrate alongside the people who have called this high desert homeland for thousands of years.