Si yu,

Hope this does not sound like an advertisment or endorsement for anyone. It is just a little color about a local Rez. that has been a quiet little back nook of the Blue Mountains ever since the mid 1800's except for the famous yearly Pendelton Roundup conducted over the last hundred plus years. The Umatilla Reservation. sets right at the foot of Cabbage Hill on Interstate 84 about 30 miles west of my location.

If you ever travel this way, do watch that Cabbage Hill. From the pass (el. 5000) at the top of the Blue Mountains on I-84, it is more or less 4000 feet almost straight down to the bottom at the Woodpecker Truck stop with, I think, eight, ramp escapes that the truckers use in case there is a brake failure on the way down. They have been used more than a few times. Local lore is said that one loaded truck came off of there and was going over 150 mph when it got almost to Pendelton on the flats. My worst trip over it was in the up way over it rather than down. That was my last trip over the pass on a motorcycle during the winter with a foot of snow on the top, that I was not aware of until it was too late to do differently.

Beautiful country in the area of Walter Brennen country and where the travelers on the Oregon Trail had such a bad trip across. I think not as bad as the trip was eventually for our Indian people mentioned in this article. The Brennen ranch is an old 1880's cow ranch way back behind the east side of the Rez. in the beautiful Wallowa valley where Chief Joseph Nez Perce and his people were driven out of their home. The ranch is still a working cow outfit as far as I know, and owned by Walter's son, cannot recall his name right now but have met him there near Joseph, Oregon. A fine man, as Walter was too.

Do hi yi,

Vern

Before the Treaty of 1855, the three Tribes occupied 6.4 million acres in Northeast Oregon and southeast Washington. Today, the Umatilla Reservation consists of some 172,000 acres.

The Confederated Tribes governmental structure is formally established in the 1949 Constitution and By-Laws. The Tribes' voting electorate is called the General Council and consists of all tribal members at least 18 years of age. A Board of Trustees is elected by the General Council to provide policy direction and carry out the day-to-day operations of the Tribal Government.

The Tribal Government is a major employer on the Umatilla Reservation, providing jobs for over 260 people. Each year tribal governmental operations inject approximately $21 million into the economy of Umatilla County.

Over the past few years the Confederated Tribes have been working to diversify and develop the economy of the Reservation. In March, 1995, CTUIR opened the Wildhorse Gaming Resort that currently employs over 300 individuals and boasts an annual payroll of more than $7 million.

Next to the Gaming Resort, CTUIR is building a 100-room hotel, which is scheduled to open by early spring. Other projects being developed include the Tamustalik Cultural Institute, RV park, and golf course. Based on economic studies, it is anticipated that these developments will inject up to $60 million annually into the local economy.

Tribal leaders recognize that the challenge of the nineties is one of balance: to encourage growth necessary to provide a solid economic base for the CTUIR and its members, while preserving traditions, culture, and language.

Rainbow trout are stocked annually to provide quality fishing in a relaxed setting. An annual fish derby is held with prizes worth over $400. In order to preserve a peaceful atmosphere only those boats powered by electric outboards or non-mechanized means are allowed on the lake. For more information or reservations call (541) 276-3873.

The Lucky Seven Trailer Park:

The Lucky Seven Trailer Park is located 5 miles east of Pendleton, Oregon, on the Old Mission Highway. A convenience store is located nearby. Improved spaces provide electricity, water, sewer and cable TV. Rentals start at $115. Discounts for senior citizens.

Wildhorse Hotel:

Construction will be completed this spring on a 100 room hotel adjacent to Wildhorse Gaming Resort. The hotel will open in March and will offer an indoor Pool, hot tub, sauna, exercise facility, whirlpool suites and a complimentary continental breakfast. For more information or reservations call 1-800-654-WILD.

Wildhorse RV Park:

Construction will begin this spring on a 100 space RV park located next to the Wildhorse Gaming Resort. Current plans envision a facility that includes an outdoor pool, laundry area, showers, and mini-convenience store for the RV traveler.

Wildhorse Golf Course:

Design is underway for the development of an 18 hole championship resort golf course to be located at the Wildhorse Gaming Resort. Construction will begin early this summer with completion in fall of 1996. After the appropriate grow-in period for the grasses, play is expected to begin in early fall of 1997.

Mission Market:

Mission Market, located approximately 5 miles east of Pendleton, Oregon, at Four Corners on Old Mission Highway 30, Provides gasoline, a variety of groceries, fast food and video rentals. Hours are from 7 a.m. to 11 P.M. Monday through Saturday and 9 a.m. to 9 P.M. on Sundays. Stop in for one of our jumbo hot dogs! Also, Tribal fishing and hunting permits are available. For more information, call (541) 276-271

Wildhorse Gaming Resort:

The Tribes and Capital Gaming International jointly opened the 24 hour, 35,000 square foot gaming facility on March 10, 1995. Wildhorse is located just off 1-84, 4 miles east of Pendleton, and offers access to 4600 vehicles that venture between the central US and the Pacific Northwest.

The facility currently employs 325 employees, 45% of which are tribal members. Wildhorse offers 300 video slot machines, live keno, poker, blackjack, off-track betting, bingo, a restaurant, and a gift shop. All these areas offer daily and monthly specials as well as special events, including: 4th of July Pow Wow, Memorial Day, 1st Anniversary Celebration and all holidays. For more information, call 1-800-654-WILD.

Tamustalik Cultural Institute:

With the June 9, 1994 ground breaking ceremony, construction on the Tamustalik Cultural Institute was initiated. Tamustalik is from the Walla Walla dialect and means "interpreter." This reflects the Tribes'desire to interpret their history for the visiting public. Additionally, the Cultural Institute will be the epicenter for the preservation of the Tribes' rich and enduring culture.

Scheduled to open in the summer of 1997, the 45,000 square foot Tamustalik Cultural Institute will offer the only Natve American perspective of the.Oregon Trail along its entire 2000 mile route.

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