Culture & Heritage Department | Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs

Our Mission

The Culture & Heritage Department is committed to preserving, protecting, and promoting the rich cultural traditions of the Warm Springs, Wasco, and Paiute peoples. We work to ensure that our languages, ceremonies, traditional practices, and stories are passed down to future generations.

Three Tribes, One Nation

The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs consists of three distinct tribes, each with their own unique languages, traditions, and cultural practices:

🏔️ Warm Springs Tribe

The Warm Springs people have inhabited the high plateau country of Central Oregon for thousands of years, maintaining deep connections to the land and waters.

🌊 Wasco Tribe

The Wasco people traditionally lived along the Columbia River, known for their fishing expertise and trade networks throughout the region.

🏜️ Paiute Tribe

The Paiute people brought their rich Great Basin traditions to the reservation, contributing to the diverse cultural fabric of our nation.

Cultural Programs & Services

Language Preservation

Our language programs work to revitalize and teach our native languages:

Ichishkíin (Sahaptin): Language classes for all ages
Kiksht (Wasco): Cultural language instruction
Numu (Paiute): Language preservation initiatives
Language immersion programs for youth
Elder-youth language mentorship
Digital language resources and recordings

Traditional Arts & Crafts

We support and promote traditional artistic practices including:

Beadwork and regalia making
Basketry and weaving
Hide tanning and leatherwork
Traditional carving and woodwork
Drummaking and traditional music
Cultural workshops and demonstrations

Cultural Events & Celebrations

Throughout the year, we host and support various cultural events:

Pi-Ume-Sha Treaty Days: Annual celebration in June
Root Feast ceremonies
Salmon Feast celebrations
Name-giving ceremonies
Traditional dances and powwows
Youth cultural camps

Visit the Museum at Warm Springs

Experience the rich history and culture of our people through exhibits, artifacts, and traditional stories.

Learn More

Cultural Resource Protection

We work to protect sacred sites, cultural resources, and traditional use areas:

Cultural site surveys and monitoring
Traditional food and medicine plant protection
Sacred site preservation
Repatriation of cultural items and ancestors
Traditional ecological knowledge documentation

Education & Outreach

We provide educational programs to tribal members and the wider community:

School cultural education programs
Historical and cultural presentations
Cultural orientation for new employees
Traditional knowledge workshops
Cultural curriculum development