Yes, the Walla Walla people are indeed still very much alive and continue to be a vibrant part of contemporary Native American communities.
The Walla Walla are a federally recognized tribe with a significant and enduring presence in the Pacific Northwest. While their traditional lands once encompassed a broad area around the Walla Walla River and the Columbia River in what is now southeastern Washington and northeastern Oregon, many of the Walla Walla people today reside on the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR).
The Enduring Presence of the Walla Walla People
The Walla Walla maintain their cultural identity and governmental structure as an integral component of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla. This confederation represents a powerful alliance that has allowed the Walla Walla, along with the Cayuse and Umatilla tribes, to preserve their heritage and manage their affairs collectively.
Key Aspects of Their Current Existence:
- Shared Homeland: Many Walla Walla live on the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, a designated area where they can maintain their connection to the land and their ancestral roots.
- Unified Governance: They participate in a shared governmental structure with the Cayuse and Umatilla tribes, working together to address community needs, preserve traditions, and promote economic development.
- Cultural Preservation: Efforts are actively made to maintain and revitalize their language, ceremonies, and traditional practices, ensuring that the rich heritage of the Walla Walla continues for future generations.
- Modern Community: Beyond cultural activities, the Walla Walla contribute to and benefit from the modern infrastructure, services, and economic ventures established by the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation.
The continued existence and vitality of the Walla Walla people underscore the resilience and adaptability of Native American tribes in the face of historical challenges. Their collaborative governance and shared resources within the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla exemplify a successful model for tribal sovereignty and cultural continuity.
For more information about the contemporary activities and governance of the confederated tribes, you can visit the official website of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation.
