In celebration of Native American Heritage Month, we are excited to reflect on moments from the communities of our four member tribes; the Yakama Nation, Confederated Tribes of Umatilla, Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, and the Nez Perce Tribe. The Memorial Horse Parade, held on the Umatilla Indian Reservation, is an annual celebration. This tradition of the Cayuse, Walla Walla, and Umatilla people celebrates Indigenous veterans and the community. Sisters Linda Jones and Brenda Shippentower

At Camp Chaparral during Salmon Camp on the Yakama Reservation, campers had the honor of learning the art of making Lupu’y, traditional cedar bark baskets, under the guidance of esteemed elder Lindsey Howtopat, Tinakin. As a master basket maker and fluent Sahaptin speaker, Tinakin shared not only the intricate process of crafting these baskets, taught to him by his late mother Louise Billy, but also the rich cultural significance behind them. Cedar has long been a vital resource for the Yakama p