We, The First People
Tribal Nations
Oregon is home to nine federally recognized tribes, each with its own unique culture, history, and traditions.
Learn more about each sovereign nation directly through their tribal websites.
Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians
Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde
Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians
Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation
Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs
Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians
Understanding Tribal Treaties
Explore the history and impact of tribal treaties through these resources and primary sources.
- The Tribal Treaties Database provides an easy-to-use portal to access treaties, agreements, and other historical documents that have shaped relationships between tribal nations and the United States.
- National Archives Treaty Database shares digitized treaties that can be explored by date or by tribe.
Visiting Tribal Nations & Museums
Experience tribal communities in Oregon by visiting tribal museums and cultural centers. Plan your visit and engage with the stories and traditions of Indigenous peoples.
- The Tribal Nations page on Travel Oregon’s website offers insights into respectful visits to tribal lands, tribal attractions, and events open to the public.
- Chachalu Tribal Museum and Cultural Center tells the story of the Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde Community of Oregon and honors the elders who kept tribal traditions and dreams alive during the years of termination.
- The Museum at Warm Springs preserves the culture, history, and traditions of the three tribes that comprise the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs.
- Tamástslikt Cultural Institute celebrates the customs and practices of the Cayuse, Umatilla, and Walla Walla tribes through interactive displays, special events, and informative programming.
- Nez Perce National Historical Park spans across Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington, encompassing 28 sites significant to the history and culture of the Nez Perce people.
Indigenous Voices
Discover books written by Indigenous authors that share history, traditions, and contemporary perspectives of Indian tribes in Oregon.
- The People are Dancing Again: The History of the Siletz Tribe of Western Oregon, by Charles Wilkinson with Siletz tribal contributions
- Tribal Histories of the Willamette Valley, by David G. Lewis, Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde
- When the River Ran Wild! Indian Traditions on the Mid-Columbia and the Warm Springs Reservation, by George W. Aguilar Sr., Wasco, Warm Springs
- The Gift of Knowledge/Ttnúwit Átawish Nchʼinchʼimamí: Reflections on Sahaptin Ways, by Virginia R. Beavert, Yakama Nation
- Lewis and Clark Through Indian Eyes, edited by Alvin M. Josephy, Jr. featuring Roberta Conner, Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation.
- My Name is Lamoosh, by Linda Meanus, Warm Springs
- The First Oregonians, featuring contributions from multiple Indigenous authors
Additional Resources
- The Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians (ATNI) is a nonprofit organization representing over 50 tribal governments that facilitates collaboration on policy, legislation, and regional advocacy efforts.
- Founded in 1944, The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) is the oldest and largest organization representing American Indian and Alaksa Native tribal governments and communities. NCAI advocates for tribal sovereignty and addresses a broad range of policy issues affecting Indigenous peoples.