Umatilla

Who are the Umatilla?

The Umatilla are a Native American people whose identity is rooted in the lands along the Umatilla and Columbia rivers. Their language, Umatilla, is part of the Sahaptin branch of the Penutian family, linking them to neighboring tribes. Today, they are one of three tribes—alongside the Cayuse and Walla Walla—who share government and land as the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation. Their sense of community is shaped by shared history, language, and traditions.

Where do the Umatilla live?

The Umatilla homeland is the Columbia Plateau, a region of rolling hills, rivers, and grasslands in what is now northeastern Oregon. The Umatilla and Columbia rivers have long provided fish and supported the people's way of life. Today, the Umatilla Reservation is near Pendleton, Oregon, close to the Blue Mountains. The landscape is central to their identity, and several places in the region bear the Umatilla name.

What language do the Umatilla speak?

Umatilla is a Sahaptin language, closely related to the languages of other tribes in the region. The language is an important marker of identity and is still taught and spoken within the community. Efforts to preserve and revitalize Umatilla continue, as with many Indigenous languages facing decline.

How do the Umatilla live?

Traditionally, the Umatilla lived by fishing, foraging, and farming along the rivers and plateaus. Salmon from the Columbia and Umatilla rivers was a staple. They also gathered roots and berries and hunted game. Today, many Umatilla people work in a range of jobs, both on and off the reservation, and are involved in tribal enterprises and natural resource management.

How is Umatilla society organised?

Umatilla society is organized around extended families and kinship ties. Historically, neighboring tribes and bands maintained close relations, often intermarrying or forming alliances. Decision-making today is conducted through the tribal government, which represents the Umatilla, Cayuse, and Walla Walla as a confederation. Community events and ceremonies remain important for social cohesion.

What do the Umatilla believe?

The Umatilla practice a mix of traditional beliefs, the Washat religion, and Christianity. Ceremonies and rituals mark important events and seasonal cycles. Art, music, and dance are valued, with some Umatilla individuals gaining recognition for their contributions to Native arts and performance. Traditional dress and regalia are worn during cultural events.

The history of the Umatilla

The Umatilla have lived in the Columbia Plateau for generations, sharing borders with other Sahaptin-speaking peoples. Their homeland was not naturally fortified, which made them vulnerable to attacks from neighboring groups. In the 19th century, epidemics such as smallpox devastated the population. In 1855, the Umatilla and other tribes were forced to cede their lands to the United States under treaty, moving onto a reservation. Despite these hardships, the Umatilla have maintained their identity and community.

Umatilla life today

Today, the Umatilla are part of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation. They continue to live in northeastern Oregon, maintaining cultural traditions while also engaging in modern economic activities. The tribe has a recognized government and works to preserve its language, land, and heritage. Challenges remain, but the Umatilla community is active in cultural and political life.

Questions people ask about the Umatilla

Sources and further reading

• Umatilla people on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• Encyclopaedia BritannicaArticle
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
• Wikidata recordOpen data

This page was written with AI assistance from the sources above and checked automatically before publishing. It may contain mistakes, and it is no substitute for hearing from the Umatilla themselves. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-02.