Our Tribe

History is often disregarded in today's fast-moving, technological society, but for the remaining Indian Tribes living in the United States, history is a reality that still greatly affects the lives of the people on the reservations. The CTUIR Treaty of 1855 and subsequent acts of Congress in the middle 1800's have directly impacted Indian economics, politics, social structure, and the individual lives of the Indians themselves.

Over the past 50 years the Umatilla Indian Tribes have worked diligently toward preserving their culture. There has been a revival of language and songs. The dances and ceremonies of the tribes are being taught to a new generation. Strong leadership at the CTUIR Board of Trustees and their staff has helped to establish the sovereignty, respect and influence of the Tribes and have contributed to the growth of Tribal community and area economics beginning in the 1970's.

Economic Innovation

Today the CTUIR is the largest employer in North Eastern Oregon. As part of their economic development program, the Tribes have created:

Coyote Business Park spans 140 acres on the Umatilla Indian Reservation adjacent to Interstate 84, five miles east of Pendleton. The Park is three to six hours away from major Northwest markets including Portland, Seattle, Spokane, Boise, and Missoula with sites available for locating a variety of businesses and enterprises.

Cayuse Technologies is a tribal owned business created in partnership with Accenture with capacity for 450 new jobs in software development, call center operations, and document imaging. This was the first business to locate at Coyote Business Park.

Yaka Energy is a tribal-owned and controlled business focused on energy procurement and resale