Walla Walla Chamber of Commerce (Walla Walla, Wash.)

In May and June 1855, a treaty among representatives of the Nez Perce, Yakima, Cayuse, Walla Walla, and Umatilla tribes and the United States government was negotiated on the present day site of Whitman College in Walla Walla, Washington. Isaac Ingalls Stevens, Washington Territorial Governer, and Joel Palmer, Oregon Superintendent of Indian Affairs, represented the interests of the United States government. Native American participants included Lawyer, Timothy, and Joseph (Nez Perce), Kamiakin (Yakima), Peopeomoxmox (Walla Walla), Spokan Garry (Spokane), and Young Chief (Cayuse). The treaty concluded with the establishment of reservations for the Nez Perce, Yakima, and Confederated Tribes (Cayuse, Walla Walla, and Umatilla) and was ratified in 1859.The impetus for a public observation of the Stevens Treaty centennial came from Corbett B. Lawyer in 1954. Lawyer solicited the Walla Walla Chamber of Commerce to "celebrate" the treaty signing with the Nez Perce Indians of Lapwai, Idaho. Tribal representatives and the Walla Walla Chamber of Commerce jointly planed the commemoration under the leadership of Charles F. Luce, a Walla Walla attorney. The Stevens Treaty Centennial Observance ran June 10, 11, and 12 in Walla Walla. The program included a welcome parade, the dedication of a marker commemorating the centennial observance, a barbecue, the "Sacajawea of 1955" contest, a pageant entitled "PE-WA-OO-YIT - First Treaty Council," and a commemorative non-denominational religious service.

From the description of Stevens Treaty Council of 1855 Centennial Collection, 1954-1956. (Whitman College). WorldCat record id: 664566560

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