Religion

    The Yakama believe that the Creator created the world and all its inhabitants. They believe that the Creator made laws that they must follow, and that he created the first man and the first women. Go to the Tribal Stories page to read the Yakama creation story.

Government

Yakama Cheif We-yal-lup Wa-ya-cika 1913

    The Yakama were led by a chief. The chief was chosen by a council of elders, and was respected by all the tribe members. He had to listen to the elder council most of the time, and did not have very much political power. The most he could do was advise or persuade his people to do what he thought they should. The Yakama would sometimes fight with other tribes from the south or east, so during times of war the best warrior might take on the role of the chief. The Yakama also hunted a lot, and while hunting the best hunter might lead the others. Once they formed the Yakama nation in 1855 they were led by a council of 14 chiefs representing the different tribes.

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Language

    The Yakama speak a northwestern dialect of Sahaptin. It is a complicated language that includes many sounds that we don’t use in English. An easy word is áay it is a friendly greeting in the Yakama language. Some people that speak Yakama are trying to change the name of their language back to its original name Ichishkíin Sínwit.