Yakama Nation

Introduction
To get started in Indigenous Peoples of the United States Research

Various Spellings: Yakama, Yakima The spelling was changed from Yakima to Yakama in 1994 to reflect the native pronunciation.

The Yakama (Yakima) Tribe is located in central Washington along the Columbia River. In 1994, the Yakama Nation adopted the spelling of its name as "Yakama," which they feel is the more correct historical spelling of their name.

Tribal Headquarters
The Yakama Nation 401 Fort Road / PO Box 151 Toppenish, WA 98948 Phone: 509-865-5121 Website

Museum
Yakama Nation Museum Phone:1-509-865-5121

Library
Yakama Nation Library Phone: 509- 865-5121 ex 4723

Brief Timeline

 * 1805: First contact with Europeans -- the Lewis and Clark Expedition.
 * 1835: Oregon Trail
 * 1840's: Lieutenant Charles Wilkes, sent by U.S. government to explore the Pacific Coast.
 * 1946: The 49th Parallel divided the Oregon Territory between the United States and Canada
 * 1855:Treaty with the U.S. government
 * 1855-56: Yakama War
 * 1855: Reservation established

Additional References to the History of the Tribe
Frederick Webb Hodge, in his Handbook of American Indians North of Mexico, gave a more complete history of the Yakima tribe, with estimations of the population of the tribe at various time periods. Additional details are given in John Swanton's The Indian Tribes of North America.

For additional history of the tribe, read more....

Reservations
A tract of land set aside for occupation and use by Native Americans.

Superintendencies
The Washington and Oregon Superintendencies had jurisdiction over the tribe.

Records
The majority of records of individuals were those created by the agencies. Some records may be available to tribal members through the tribal headquarters.They were (and are) the local office of the Bureau of Indian Affairs, and were charged with maintaining records of the activities of those under their responsibility. Among these records are:


 * Allotment records
 * Annuity rolls
 * Census records
 * Correspondence
 * Health records
 * Reports
 * School census and records
 * Vital records

Census
Before the 1870 census Yakima tribe members may be found in Walla Walla County, WA dispersed among the general population.

In 1870 census search Yakima County.

1880 Search (M1791, 5 rolls.) Schedules of a Special Census of Indians, 1880. The Yakima Agency is divided into five districts, which appear on roll 3. FHL Film:

1885-1940 Search (M595) Indian Census Rolls. (692 rolls) Yakima Indians are located on rolls 672-679. FHL Film: 583130-583138

(Source of above: NARA# 1004)

Land Records
Yakima Tribe Land Allotment Act of 1887. Records 1887-1913 FHL film: 1028506

Treaties

 * 1855 June 9, at Camp Stevens

Vital Records
Births and Deaths 1925-1931 FHL film 583136

Yakima Agency
The agency representing the Yakama Indians for the Bureau of Indian Affairs is the Yakima Agency. It is located at Toppenish, Washington. For additional history of this agency and an indication of the location of its records, click here.

Yakama Nation -- BIA Agency 401 Fort Rd Toppenish, WA 98948 1-509-865-2255‎

Important Websites

 * Yakama Tribe Wikipedia