Cayuse Tribe of Washington and Oregon
The Cayuse Tribe of Washington and Oregon, a people of the Waiilatpuan linguistic stock, originally inhabited the lands of northeastern Oregon and southeastern Washington. Known to themselves as Liksiyu, the Cayuse Tribe of Washington and Oregon maintained close ties with their neighbors, the Nez Perce and Walla Walla tribes. Early explorers and writers often grouped them together, though the Cayuse Tribe of Washington and Oregon possessed their own distinct language. The name "Cayuse" itself is derived from the French word "cailloux," meaning "Rock People," a reference to the rocky terrain that characterized portions of their ancestral homeland. This article will explore the history, culture, and eventual displacement of the Cayuse Tribe of Washington and Oregon.
Before the arrival of Europeans, the Cayuse, Umatilla, and Walla Walla people constituted a significant population, estimated at around 8,000 individuals. For over 10,000 years, these tribes thrived in the Columbia River region, following a cyclical pattern of movement between the lowlands along the Columbia River and the highlands of the Blue Mountains. The Cayuse Tribe of Washington and Oregon was once among the most numerous and influential tribes within the Plateau Culture area. Their lifestyle was semi-nomadic, centered on fishing in the rivers, hunting game in the forests and mountains, and gathering wild plants for sustenance. This traditional way of life was deeply intertwined with the natural rhythms of the environment.
The 18th century brought a transformative change to the lives of the Cayuse Tribe of Washington and Oregon: the introduction of the horse. This animal revolutionized their hunting practices and expanded their range of movement. The Cayuse adopted certain cultural elements from the Plains Indians, including buffalo hunting and the use of teepees as portable dwellings. They rapidly became skilled horsemen and breeders, developing a reputation for their exceptional horses, which were highly valued throughout the region. This period marked a significant shift in their lifestyle, blending their traditional Plateau culture with new influences from the Plains.
The opening of the Oregon Trail marked a turning point, bringing the Cayuse Tribe of Washington and Oregon into direct conflict with white settlers. In 1838, a mission was established among the Cayuse by Marcus Whitman, a Presbyterian missionary, near present-day Whitman, Washington. This mission became a focal point of interaction between the Cayuse and the growing number of settlers traversing the Oregon Trail. However, this interaction would soon lead to tragedy.
In 1847, a devastating measles epidemic swept through the Cayuse community, killing approximately half of the tribe. The Cayuse, lacking immunity to the disease, suffered greatly. Marcus Whitman, despite his medical training, was unable to effectively combat the epidemic. This led some Cayuse to believe that Whitman was deliberately poisoning them to facilitate the settlement of their land by white settlers. Suspicion and resentment grew, culminating in a violent act.
On November 29, 1847, a group of Cayuse warriors attacked the Whitman Mission, killing 13 people, including Marcus and Narcissa Whitman. This event, known as the Whitman Massacre, sent shockwaves through the region and ignited the Cayuse War of 1848. Forty-nine other individuals were taken captive. The massacre not only marked a tragic loss of life but also temporarily halted Protestant missionary efforts in the Oregon Country. The event became a symbol of the escalating tensions between Native Americans and white settlers.
The Cayuse War lasted for seven years, a period of intense conflict between the Cayuse and the United States government. The war resulted in significant losses on both sides, further decimating the Cayuse population and disrupting their traditional way of life. After years of fighting, the Cayuse were ultimately defeated. In 1855, they were forced to relocate to the Umatilla Reservation, located in northeastern Oregon.
The U.S. Government negotiated a treaty with the Cayuse, Umatilla, and Walla Walla tribes, collectively ceding 6.4 million acres of their ancestral lands in exchange for a reservation homeland of 250,000 acres. This treaty marked a significant loss of land and autonomy for the Cayuse, confining them to a fraction of their original territory. Further federal legislation in the late 1800s further reduced the size of the Umatilla Reservation to 172,000 acres, further diminishing their land base and resources.
By the turn of the 20th century, the Cayuse population had dwindled to an estimated 400 individuals. The effects of disease, warfare, and forced relocation had taken a heavy toll on the tribe. The number of individuals of mixed blood was increasing, and the Cayuse language was on the verge of extinction, a reflection of the cultural assimilation pressures they faced.
Today, the descendants of the Cayuse Tribe of Washington and Oregon reside on the Umatilla Reservation in northeastern Oregon, sharing the land with the Umatilla and Walla Walla tribes as part of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR). The CTUIR is a sovereign government that works to protect and promote the cultural, economic, and social well-being of its members. They strive to preserve their cultural heritage, revitalize their language, and exercise their treaty rights.
The CTUIR is actively engaged in a variety of programs and initiatives, including natural resource management, economic development, education, and healthcare. They work to protect and restore the environment, manage their forests and fisheries, and promote sustainable economic opportunities for their members. They also operate a tribal school, cultural center, and other programs designed to preserve and promote their cultural heritage.
The history of the Cayuse Tribe of Washington and Oregon is a story of resilience in the face of immense challenges. Despite the devastating effects of disease, warfare, and forced relocation, the Cayuse people have persevered, maintaining their cultural identity and fighting for their rights. The Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation continue to work towards a brighter future for their members, honoring the legacy of their ancestors and striving to preserve their cultural heritage for generations to come. Their story serves as a reminder of the complex and often tragic history of Native American tribes in the United States, and the importance of understanding and respecting their cultural heritage. The Cayuse Tribe of Washington and Oregon continues to shape its destiny, drawing strength from its past and embracing the challenges of the future.
More Information:
Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation
46411 Timine Way
Pendleton, Oregon 97801
541-276-3165
https://ctuir.org/about/