Fifteen years ago, Tamástslikt Cultural Institute opened its doors with the intention of sharing the culture, traditions, history, and vision of the Cayuse, Umatilla, and Walla Walla Tribes. Utilizing state-of-the-art exhibits and interactive displays, local, regional, and national history is interpreted through the voices, collective memories, objects, and images of their people.
When Tamástslikt opened in 1998 it was the only tribally-owned interpretive center on the National Historic Oregon Trail and it still is. Today, it is also a nationally-certified Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail interpretive site. More than a half million guests have visited the Institute which is wholly owned and operated by the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation.
Over the years, Tamástslikt has expanded the range and caliber of exhibits in the changing gallery, increased the public programming and outreach activities, continued to enhance and build upon the permanent exhibits, and constructed a unique cultural experience in Naami Nisháycht, the Living Cultural Village.
This August, a full slate of activities is planned for the entire month and the public is invited to join the celebration. Every Friday features free admission for everyone, special souvenir items are available in the Museum Store and all Pendleton Wool merchandise is marked down 30 percent, there is a raffle for a handcrafted wooden rocking horse, and daily Pepsi beverage giveaways.
Family Day on Aug. 3, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., includes kids’ crafts, face painting, new kids’ stations in the exhibits, storytelling, and a PBJ sandwich & milk special.
On Aug. 10, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Culture Day showcases drumming and singing, Village demonstrations, kids’ stick games, and Tribal members in the permanent exhibits to share their personal perspective.
All 15-year-olds receive a free bison sloppy joe special at Kinship Café on Aug. 15 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. They should bring identification.
As part of the opening festivities for the ‘Andy Warhol: Cowboys & Indians’ exhibit on Aug. 23, the public is invited to a birthday party from 6 to 8 p.m., dressed as a cowboy or Indian or they can suit up and enter the Andy Warhol Look-alike Contest.
Salmon Walk, an event hosted by the Confederated Tribes’ Department of Natural Resources, culminates at Tamástslikt on Aug. 24, with food and activities all day. And on the final Saturday, Aug. 31, the annual Kidz Powwow, open to all kids up to age 12, kicks off at 1 p.m.
For a full calendar of dates and times, visit the Tamastslikt website.
