The High Desert Museum in Bend, Oregon, has a display Family and Reservation Community which shows how Plateau Indian identity has been preserved by families.
According to the Museum display:
“Since ancient times, the Plateau family served as the sanctuary of identity. Despite the changes brought about by reservation life, many Plateau Indians refused to forget their languages, stories, and ceremonies. They kept tribal culture alive by practicing and teaching time honored customs and beliefs to their children within the walls of reservation homes.”
According to the Museum display:
“Toys can be more than just playthings for children. These toys are examples of how Plateau parents taught children about their Indian culture by providing them with miniature replicas of clothing, cradleboards, and other items.”
Thompson Family, Yakama
According to the Museum display:
“The objects in this case represent three generations of the Thompson family of Wyam on the Columbia River. Tommy Thompson (d. 1959) was the last salmon chief at Celilo Falls, Oregon.”
Showaway Family, Umatilla
According to the Museum display:
“To make sure each object was passed to the next generation, Louise Showaway made a point of marking each object with the name of the person who would receive it. The objects in this case testify to the determination of one family to regain its ancestral links while incorporating new materials.”
Burke Family, Walla Walla
According to the Museum display:
“The descendants of Poker Jim Burke, a Walla Walla Cayuse, have let their tribal members in the parades of the Pendleton Round-Up since it began in 1910.”
Indians 101
On Tuesdays and Thursdays, Indians 101 explores American Indian histories, arts, traditional cultures, and current concerns. More about the Plateau Indians from this series:
Indians 101: Plateau Indian Reservation Life (Photo Diary)
Indians 101: Plateau Containers in the Maryhill Museum (Photo Diary)
Indians 101: Hall of Plateau Indians (Photo Diary)
Indians 101: Plateau Indian Spirituality (Photo Diary)
Indians 101: Plateau Indian Basket Hats and Trinket Baskets (Photo Diary)