Long before white men ever stepped foot onto the land that is now Oregon, the Cayuse, Umatilla, and Walla Walla people called this place home. The word “Tamástslikt” means “interpreter” in English, and it couldn’t be a more fitting name for this incredible cultural center located in Pendleton. If you want to learn more about 10,000 years of history, as well as the continuing legacy of the confederate tribes, you need to pay this place a visit.

You’ll find the Tamástslikt Cultural Institute on the Umatilla Reservation near Pendleton.

Dianne H/Tripadvisor

When you step inside this beautiful building, you’ll be treated to a light-filled interior that’s full of all kinds of artifacts and information.

Oregon Cultural Trust/YouTube

The cultural institute’s aim is to present Western expansion from the viewpoint of the native people who lived here many thousands of years before the Oregon Trail existed.

Oregon Cultural Trust/YouTube

Learn about how the Umatilla, Cayuse, and Walla Walla tribes lived over the centuries by browsing through hundreds of artifacts from centuries past.

April Arm/Google

The museum galleries are organized into three sections. The first section, called “We Were” is all about the tribes’ history.

Oregon Cultural Trust/YouTube

See replicas of the dwellings where people lived…

Tamastslikt Cultural Institute/Facebook

…and see personal belongings that were worn and used long ago.

April Arm/Google

The second gallery, called “We Are” is all about the tribes’ contributions to modern society. The Law of the Salmon is just one example of the many ways in which tribal members’ talents affect the salmon recovery in the Columbia River, local government issues, and the local economy.

Diana Duangnet/Google The third gallery, called “We Will Be,” discusses the future of the tribal community.

The museum protects and preserves many artifacts, documents, and photographs so that future generations can learn about the confederated tribes of the area.

Oregon Cultural Trust/YouTube

Make sure to pop into the museum store during your visit. You’ll find handcrafted items and Pendleton wool blankets with exclusive designs that represent historic patterns.

James Tolson/Google The museum store is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Tamástslikt Cultural Institute is open every Friday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. On the first Friday of every month, admission is free!

thunefeld/Tripadvisor Learn more about the Tamástslikt Cultural Institute in this video posted by Oregon Cultural Trust on YouTube:

This article barely scratches the surface of what the Tamástslikt Cultural Center offers. Learn more about it on its website, and follow its Facebook page to see the latest events and displays.

Dianne H/Tripadvisor

Oregon Cultural Trust/YouTube

April Arm/Google

Tamastslikt Cultural Institute/Facebook

Diana Duangnet/Google

The third gallery, called “We Will Be,” discusses the future of the tribal community.

James Tolson/Google

The museum store is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

thunefeld/Tripadvisor

Learn more about the Tamástslikt Cultural Institute in this video posted by Oregon Cultural Trust on YouTube:

Have you visited this special place? We’d love to read about your experience in the comments!

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Address: 47106 Wildhorse Blvd, Pendleton, OR 97801, USA