Mission statement: The Yakama Nation Economic Development Department will recommend opportunities to create jobs and increase revenue for the Yakama Nation through development of a sovereign and sustainable economy while preserving our traditional and cultural values, and protection of the rights of the Treaty of 1855.
About Our Department
Serving With Integrity
Call us Monday – Friday, 8:00 am. – 5:00pm.
(509) 865-5121 Ext. 4767
Maryjo Whitney-Blevins,
Economic Development Director
OFFICE OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Experience Our Yakama Community
Our department consists of a team that is focused on addressing critical economic issues while advocating for various opportunities that our community members can benefit from. By fostering an environment that promotes a healthy economic climate, we all benefit.
Yakama Nation Museum
Experience Yakama history and artifacts from generations of the past
Pahto Transit
Tribal Transit (YNTT) system was created for convenient transportation
Gift Shop
Find the right genuine gift created by our local and neighboring artists
Heritage Theatre
Enjoy our list of featured films for your entertainment
Employment
Stay posted on all the latest job opportunities within the Yakama Nation
Department Calendar
Keep up to date on all the economic opportunities posted within Yakama
Learning & Growing Together
Yakama Resources
Located in southwestern Washington State is the 1,130,000 acres reservation that is home to the Yakima or Yakama Indian Nation (AID, 39). That reservation was granted to the Yakama in a treaty signed in 1855 by Gov. Isaac Stevens of the Washington Territory and representatives of the Cayuse, Umatilla, Wallawalla, Nez Perce and Yakama tribes.Visit Yakama Nation History
ATNI is organized and chartered as a non-profit 501(c)3 corporation under the laws of the State of Oregon. The organization sets out its membership and operating policies within its Constitution and Bylaws and ATNI Policies & Procedures Manual. Authority for management of the affairs of ATNI are delegated to the Executive Council by the members and further delegated to the Executive Board, Committees, and Executive Director.
Educational Resource Links:
Here are some links I like to provide when schools inquire about the Yakama Nation. These are lesson plans or activities that they can use.
“The Fish Wars: What Kinds of Actions Can Lead to Justice?” –Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian Grades 9-12
https://americanindian.si.edu/nk360/pnw-fish-wars/#title
“Since Time Immemorial” – Washington State Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI)
All grade, multiple curriculum links
http://www.indian-ed.org/
“Wy-kan-ush-pum: Salmon Activity Book” – Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission (CRITFC)
span style=”font-weight: 400;”>Grades K-6
https://www.critfc.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/activity_book.pdf
“Kennewick Man: The Ancient One”
https://www.burkemuseum.org/blog/kennewick-man-ancient-one
Perhaps under the resources page, here are some books about the Yakamas
https://www.amazon.com/Ichishk%C3%ADin-Sinwit-Yakama-Sahaptin-Dictionary/dp/0295989157
Original Signers of the Treaty:
The two drawings are original signers of the Treaty. Kamiakin was the head chief designated during the Treaty of 1855 negotiations. There are no known photos of Kamiakin.
Watson Totus was a Tribal Councilman and he testified to the Senate Subcommittee on Civil functions in protest of the Dalles Dam which ultimately destroyed Celilo Falls a prime hub for fishing and trade along the Columbia River. His testimony is attached if you want to include quotes on the website.
Nipo Strongheart was a Yakama descendant and it was his initial donation that was the catalyst for the development of the Yakama Nation’s Museum and Cultural Heritage Center.
