Museum at Tamastslikt Cultural Institute

PENDLETON­-The Tamastslikt Cultural Institute, located on the Umatilla Indian Reservation, is near the Wildhorse Resort. It is dedicated to the culture of the Cayuse, Umatilla, and Walla Walla tribes, who have called the region home for 16,000 years. The 45,000-square-foot tribally owned museum opened in 1998. Tamastslkt means turn, translate, or interpret in Wallulapam, and the Institute is described as a storyline museum. You will experience the past, present, and future of the tribes.

The museum's featured exhibit is BISON: Masters of the Plains through November 19. The bison decline is attributed to overhunting, competition for grass and water, and the hide trade, to name a few. Topics presented include "When did people finally decide to save the bison?" and "Why did government policy encourage the bison's destruction?" 

Visitors will learn the different hunting techniques and read about the work after the hunt. There are numerous displays about how life was in the 1800s. In the hall, there are mannequins displaying the clothing for special religious events, powwows, ceremonial work clothes, and modern-day clothing.

The permanent exhibits consist of We Were, We Are, and We Will Be. During the self-guided tour, learn about the Native Americans as they were, who they are and who they will continue to be. The acquisition of the horse was a major event in tribal history, and you will hear horses running across the plateau.

There is a long house where you can sit and listen to stories, and a church with singing. Visitors will read about the American's arrival, treaties, the ancestors who served in the military and how the Pendleton Round-up gave the Native Americans cause to celebrate in their traditional manner. There is a video presentation in the theater and optional audio presentations throughout the museum.

The Museum is open Tuesdays through Saturdays; 10 am – 5 pm. There is a gift shop and the Kinship Café is open from 11 am – 2 pm.