Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation

Confederated Tribes and Bands
of the Yakama Nation

Map of the Yakama Indian Reservation
Total population
31,799 (2000)
Regions with significant populations
United States (Washington)
Languages
English, Ichishkíin Sínwit
Related ethnic groups
other Klikitat, Palus, Wallawalla, Wanapam, Wenatchi, Wishram, and Yakama peoples

The Yakama Indian Reservation is a Native American reservation in Washington state of the federally recognized tribe, the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation. The tribe is made up of Klikitat, Palus, Wallawalla, Wanapam, Wenatchi, Wishram, and Yakama peoples.

The reservation is located on the east side of the Cascade Mountains in southern Washington state. The eastern portion of Mount Adams lies within this territory. According to the United States Census Bureau, the reservation covers 2,185.94 square miles (5,661.56 km²) and the population in 2000 was 31,799. It lies primarily in Yakima and the northern edge of Klickitat counties. A small section crosses the southeast corner of Lewis County. The largest city on the reservation is Toppenish.

The reservation was created in 1855 by a treaty signed by Washington Territory Gov. Isaac Stevens and representatives of the Yakama tribe. Several Native leaders believed that those representatives did not have the authority to cede communal land, and had not properly gained consensus from the full council or tribe. A dispute over the treaty led to the Yakima War (1855–1858) waged against the United States.