Washington State Accidentally Acquires 90,000 Acres of Yakama Nation Land
In the mid-19th century, Yakama Chief Kamiakin faced a devastating ultimatum: sign away the ancestral lands of 14 tribal nations or risk the bloodshed of his people. With a heavy heart, he signed, unknowingly ceding over 10 million acres of land across what is now Washington state. This pivotal moment in history set the stage for a series of unfortunate events that would impact the Yakama Nation for generations to come.
Lost Treaty, Lost Lands
The ink on the treaty barely dried before it went missing for close to 75 years, buried under a misplaced “M” for Montana. In the absence of visual evidence, federal agents took advantage, further extracting Yakama land through erroneous boundaries drawn on new maps. By the time the original treaty map resurfaced in the 1930s, irreversible damage had been done. Settlers had laid claim to lands within the reservation, leaving a complex legacy of land ownership in their wake.
The Yakama Quest for Reclamation
For the Yakama Nation, the fight to reclaim their stolen lands is a deeply personal and collective mission. Phil Rigdon, a Yakama citizen and forester, has dedicated nearly two decades of his life to this cause. As the superintendent of the Yakama Nation Department of Natural Resources, he understands the importance of restoring the reservation’s integrity. “It’s a family thing for us, as we do this business,” he shared, highlighting the emotional and communal significance of this endeavor.
A Land Divided
Today, the Yakama reservation, spanning over a million acres, harbors a significant portion of state trust lands. These lands, gifted to states as part of the Enabling Act of 1889, serve as perpetual resources that generate revenue for various institutions. Despite the Yakama Nation’s rightful claim to these lands, legal complexities and historical injustices have hindered their return.
Legal Battles and Moral Imperatives
Recent legal victories, such as the 2021 9th U.S. Circuit Court case, have affirmed the Yakamas’ claims to certain territories within the reservation. However, the presence of state trust lands continues to pose challenges. While federal treaties uphold tribal sovereignty, the intricacies of property law and historical precedents complicate the path to restitution.
A Journey of Restoration
The Yakama Nation’s journey towards land reclamation is a testament to resilience and perseverance. Through strategic land acquisitions and ongoing negotiations, the tribe has made significant strides in reclaiming their heritage. Each step forward represents a triumph over centuries of injustice and a commitment to preserving their cultural and environmental legacy.
The Road Ahead
As the Yakama Nation navigates the complexities of land transfer and compensation, their story serves as a beacon of hope for indigenous communities nationwide. The battle for land reclamation is not just about property rights but also about justice, reconciliation, and the enduring spirit of a people determined to protect their heritage.
In a moment of unity and abundance, as shared meals symbolize a shared future, the Yakama people remind us that true restoration goes beyond land ownership—it is about honoring the past, stewarding the present, and safeguarding the future for generations to come.