EXPERIENCE THE CULTURAL TRADITIONS OF OREGON’S NINE FEDERALLY DESIGNATED TRIBES

Since time immemorial, Indigenous people have inhabited what is now Oregon, with cultures as rich and diverse as the landscapes they live on. Today the nine federally recognized tribes welcome you to their homelands, where you can visit museums, galleries and cultural centers; experience powwows and seasonal celebrations; and enjoy the hospitality of tribally owned resorts and other visitor amenities.

Burns Paiute Tribe

The Harney Basin of Eastern Oregon is the heart of the Burns Paiute tribal homeland, where archaeological evidence points to a tribal history spanning more than 750 generations. With its rocky buttes, wild horses and views that seem to stretch on forever, Burns Paiute country exemplifies the wide-open American West.

The tribe’s Old Camp RV Park, between Hines and Burns, makes a good base for exploring this vast and rather remote region. Come prepared and keep a full gas tank to explore attractions like the Steens Mountain Loop Tour Route and the Malheur

National Wildlife Refuge. In Burns the Tukwahone’ Culture & Heritage Center sells original works of tribal artisans and shares tribal history through exhibits and photos. The Burns Paiute Powwow and Lacrosse Tournament in August brings together drumming contests, dance competitions and plenty of lacrosse, a modern version of a centuries-old Native American game.

Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians

Since before written records, the Coos, Siuslaw and Lower Umpqua people have thrived along the freshwater rivers and saltwater bays of the Coast. From the red cedar tree, they built weather-tight plank houses; constructed dugout canoes for travel; and crafted clothing, baskets, ropes and medicines from its bark and boughs.

The tribes remain deeply connected to the region around the thriving coastal communities of Florence and Coos Bay, the heart of tribal lands. Just 2 miles/ 3.2 kilometers from Historic Old Town Florence, the tribe welcomes guests to its Three Rivers Casino Resort and neighboring Oregon Dunes Golf Links, set among wild sand dunes and native sea grasses. Fifty miles/80.5 kilometers south, the Three Rivers Casino in Coos Bay adds more gaming excitement and waterfront dining at its Café 1297, one of the most popular spots in town.

Coquille Indian Tribe

The bountiful forests and waters of Southwest Oregon have forever been home to the Coquille Indian Tribe. Salmon, in particular, plays an important role in the culture of the Coquille. The tribe’s Mill-Luck Salmon Celebration in September honors the return of the salmon to coastal waters, and provides a stage to share the heritage and traditions of the tribe with visitors. A traditional open-pit salmon-bake dinner highlights the weekend, along with canoe races, drumming and dancing performances, and a marketplace offering traditional wares and foods.

It all takes place at the Mill Casino Hotel & RV Park, overlooking Coos Bay on Oregon’s South Coast. It’s a favorite destination for waterfront dining, gaming, concerts, food festivals and other events. The idyllic setting makes it a great base for exploring the scenic beauty of the South Coast.

How to Visit Respectfully

Tribes welcome the opportunity to share their cultures but ask that you visit with respect and follow some basic guidelines:

• Tribal events that are open to the public will be clearly marked; please assume all other gatherings are private.

• Ask permission before taking photos of people or events.

• Refrain from picking up artifacts or disturbing burial or sacred sites.

• Don’t bring weapons, drugs or alcohol to tribal lands.

Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians

Tumbling raucously through spruce forest, the Umpqua River has long been central to the Cow Creek Umpqua people as a vital source of traditional foods like salmon and Pacific lamprey. Their ancestral lands once encompassed many such lush river valleys, where tribal members continue to gather to socialize, swim, harvest huckleberries and celebrate with events like the Cow Creek Tribal Pow Wow in July.

The Cow Creek Band owns and operates the Seven Feathers Casino Resort, a popular attraction in Southern Oregon, along Interstate 5 between Roseburg and Grants Pass. The fullservice resort features a 300-room hotel, seven dining venues, the River Rock Spa, and high-spirited gaming action and live entertainment in its casino. The Seven Feathers Truck & Travel Center has all the conveniences for travelers exploring this beautiful corner of the state, including RV sites, a deli, fuel and other services.

Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde

Comprising a multitude of Native tribes whose homelands stretched across what is now called Western Oregon, Southwest Washington and Northern California, today this strong and successful tribal confederation is based among forested hills and verdant river valleys 60 miles/97 kilometers southwest of Portland.

Its popular Spirit Mountain Casino Resort offers fine lodging; an array of dining options; exciting gaming; and a busy calendar of live music, stand-up comedy and festivals. In August the tribe hosts its Annual Contest Powwow featuring dancers from across North America in full Native regalia. The nearby Chachalu Museum and Cultural Center shares the stories of the tribes’ past, present and future through exhibits, photos and ceremonial artifacts. A smartphone app lets museum visitors participate in games, songs and stories, and hear snippets of the Chinuk Wawa language.

The Klamath Tribes

The largest freshwater lake in Oregon, Upper Klamath Lake is the heart of the Klamath Basin — and the soul of the Klamath Tribes. Their ancestral lands encompass a breathtakingly beautiful and diverse landscape of forest, grassland, mountains and waterways — including Giiwas, or Crater Lake — in what is today Southern Oregon.

Visitors will find comfortable accommodations and entertainment at the Kla-Mo-Ya Casino, Sleep Inn & Suites and Crater Lake Junction Travel Center in Chiloquin, tribal businesses that strengthen the local economy and help fund the tribes’ dedicated environmental-stewardship work. In late August, the three-day Restoration Celebration in Chiloquin includes a parade, a youth rodeo, food and craft vendors, and a large competition powwow with dancers from many tribal nations.

Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians

More than 30 Native American tribes trace their ancestry to the vast and varied lands between the Cascade Range and the Pacific Coast. They come together today as the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians, representing an array of cultural practices and ways of living rooted to their homelands.

The Chinook Winds Casino Resort enjoys a prime location on the oceanfront in Lincoln City, one of the Coast’s most popular vacation areas. Resort amenities include gaming, dining, live entertainment, an 18-hole golf course and miles of Pacific beaches right outside the door. The nearby Logan Road RV Park offers 24-hour shuttle service to the casino and access to the resort’s pool and spa. The Siletz

Tribe hosts two public powwows each year: The Nesika Illahee Pow-Wow in August is held outdoors in Siletz; the Restoration Pow-Wow in November brings the festivities indoors to the Chinook Winds Casino Resort.

Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation

Generous in spirit and nature, the Cayuse, Umatilla and Walla Walla were documented in the Lewis & Clark journals as assisting the expedition party on its way west. Now united as the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla

Indian Reservation, the three tribes have a thriving community east of Pendleton. Its visitor attractions include the Wildhorse Resort and Casino, Wildhorse Golf Course, and award-winning Tamástslikt Cultural

Institute, which shares the rich and storied history of the tribes and chronicles the impact of western expansionism from a tribal point of view.

The first weekend in July marks the Wildhorse Powwow, one of the largest powwows in the state, with drummers, singing groups, artisans and dancers from many North American tribes. At the Kidz Pow Wow in September, children 12 and under dance for prizes and play traditional games.

Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs

Among the ponderosa pines and rocky river canyons south of Mt. Hood, the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs brings together three tribes — the Wasco, Warm Springs and Paiute — whose ancestral roots trace to the Columbia River and Southeastern Oregon desert. Today its tribal lands border the Deschutes River, where visitors will discover several tribal-owned attractions and businesses near OR-26 and the community of Warm Springs.

At the Museum of Warm Springs, life-size traditional dwellings, multimedia presentations, and an extensive collection of trade items and heirlooms bring to life the culture of the tribes. The Indian Head Casino hosts slots, table games, tournaments and dining. Newly updated for 2023, the hot-springs pool and soaking tubs at nearby KahNee-Ta Village have drawn guests for more than 50 years. Village accommodations include traditional tipis along with a motel and RV sites. Fly-fishing the Deschutes River is a special treat — especially with Littleleaf Guide Service, a husband-wife outfitter team with access to 39 miles/63 kilometers of riverbank on Native land.