Visitors to Wanapum Heritage Center lots of questions asked about culture today
The Wanapum Heritage Center, planned more than 50 years ago, was sited on land near Priest Rapids Dam, where sagebrush, desert grasses and thules have reigned for centuries.
This dugout canoe, made by Wanapum tribal members more than 100 years ago, draws much attention from visitors.This dugout canoe, made by Wanapum tribal members more than 100 years ago, draws much attention from visitors.
WANAPUM – Young visitors to the sparkling new Wanapum Heritage Center most often ask if members of the Wanapum Band of the Yakama Indian Nation still live in teepees.
Museum docent Susan Parker and others who man the Center from 8:30-4:30 Monday through Friday and 9-5 on Saturdays and Sunday field this and many other questions. Adults often ask where the Wanapums live today and if they may visit. That information is not given.
So far, Parker said, the number of visits is on a par with those to the old heritage center at Wanapum Dam. She expects the numbers to rise as summer comes on. She notes there have been several school tours, with several more planned.
Parker said many people from surrounding communities such as Yakima, Selah, Ellensburg and the Tri-Cities plan their visits as destination day trips.
“We are open all holidays except Christmas, Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day,” Parker said.
If you’re serious about really learning, you should make a day of it at the Center. There is plenty to see and read. Shortly after entering, you’re attention is drawn to a drum (video screen) high on a wall that presents members of the Band, past and present, from children to elders.
The exhibits inside are extensive, detailed and full of information. There is a movie theater where every half hour visitors can observe members of the Band speaking of the past, present and future.
One of the many comments written by visitors is: “I love this place/magical/makes you think about the past.” Another is: “Amazing just to learn.”
Another visitor wrote: “This is so beautiful, absolutely stunning.” Yet another wrote: “Rivals any museum I’ve seen.”
Parker said most families and groups tour on their own, but tour guides are offered.
“When it’s requested, we have a Wanapum speaker,” she said.
The most brilliant exhibit is to the left as soon as you enter the main exhibit hall. It’s curved and runs long. It has life-size representations of past Wanapums gathering food along what was then the wild Columbia River.
The question of how the Wanapums live today is answered in a room that includes a diorama, a room dedicated to the Yakima Training Center and a room that depicts living in two worlds – traditional and modern.
After you’ve seen the exhibits, you should visit a glass-walled room on the west side of the museum with a panoramic view of the river, traditional Wanapum lands and Goose Island, which was created with the building of the dam.
“People love to sit here and meditate,” Parker said.
Since the Center opened last fall, visiting groups have included the Yakama Tribal School, the Puyallup Tribal School and the Reach Museum (Kennewick) spring break camp for 8- to 13-year-olds.
Others to visit are Mountain View School Quincy (90 second-graders), Columbia Ridge Ephrata (100 fourth-graders), Garden Heights Moses Lake (75 third-graders), Grandview (100 third-graders), Wenatchee schools (50 third- through fifth-graders each day for two days.
Still to come this season are Ft. Simcoe Job Corps from White Swan (34 students), St. Rose of Lima Catholic School Ephrata (90 students) and Ephrata schools (50 third-graders each day for two days). And additional tours are being planned.
“Great learning experience,” one visitor wrote.