The Yakima Indians are a Native American tribe from Washington State, known for their use of birchbark canoes, earthen huts, and crafts such as wood carving and basket making. They primarily fished and hunted, and women looked after children and gathered plants. In 1855, they signed a treaty with the US to form a reservation. Most modern Yakima Indians speak English, but some still speak their native language. The meaning of Yakima is uncertain.
The Yakima Indians are a Native American tribe from the northwestern part of the United States. Many of them live on a reservation in Washington State that covers parts of areas including Mt. Adams, Celilo Falls, Fort Simcoe, Columbia River and Yakima River. Most of the people now considered Yakima Indians are most likely descended from different tribes of the same general area.
Long before automobiles or horses were used, the Yakima Indians commonly traveled by birchbark canoes or by walking. The tribesmen mostly lived in earthen huts, which were pits dug into the ground with domed roofs of wood and rammed earth. The material used for clothing was generally buckskin, although they were known to wear fur during the winter. The women of the tribe typically used beads to decorate their clothing. Men usually wore feathered war caps instead of headdresses.
Wood carving and basket making are two of the crafts most commonly associated with the Yakima Indians. The Yakima often ate salmon caught with nets and wooden pots. A bow and arrow was the primary hunting weapon, although spears could also be used. The Yakima were not known to be particularly violent, but may have occasionally fought battles with the Shoshone Indians.
The women of the tribe mainly looked after the children, cooked and gathered plants. The men typically fished, hunted, and fought in war when necessary. The sons of the tribe often accompanied their fathers on hunting and fishing excursions and had duties for which they were responsible.
In 1855, 14 chiefs from several Yakima tribes signed a treaty with the United States. The purpose of this treaty was to form the reservation and confederate the people of the Yakima Indian Nation. A chief named Kamaiakan is said to have been the leader of the Yakima Indians after the treaty was signed. In 1859, the Yakima Indian Agency was formed on an abandoned military base named Fort Simcoe, and later renamed Simcoe Valley. The agency was eventually relocated to Toppenish, Washington.
Most modern Yakima Indians speak English. It is not uncommon for some Yakima to speak their native language, especially the tribal elders. Yakima is the original name of the Yakima Indians, but they are also commonly called Yakama. There is general uncertainty regarding the true meaning of Yakima. Some speculate that it could mean “pregnant women” or “family”.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
