Wanapum unveil new mobile museum

EPHRATA — An upgraded mobile museum that tells the story of the Wanapum Band of the Priest Rapids Indians was unveiled to Grant County Public Utility District commissioners Tuesday. 

Commissioners got a tour of the new Native American Discovery Unit, which replaced a vehicle that had seen better days. There’s still some work to be done, but when it’s finished the mobile museum will visit schools and other events around the region, according to a PUD press release.  

The mobile museum is filled with exhibits that highlight the history of the Wanapum, their culture and values and their modern life, the press release said. Lela Buck, PUD Traditional Programs supervisor, said the new museum is the result of more than a decade of work.  

“You’re going to see today the generational changes. The children you see in pictures in the previous unit are the ones who’ve worked on this project,” Lela Buck said. 

“We’ve been waiting a really long time for this day, but we got here,” she added.  

Lela Buck said the finished product is something to be shared. 

“That’s something I’m extremely proud of. We know everything about this unit,” she said. “I think you will be really proud of it and want to share it, and that’s something we need to continue. Nobody can share the Wanapum story like the Wanapum.” 

The 38-foot vehicle cost about $150,000; the total project cost hasn’t been tallied yet. Lela Buck said the project took what she estimated as thousands of hours of work and research.  

The work was done by the PUD’s cultural resources, transportation and facilities departments. The interior and exterior graphics were done by Signs Now, Moses Lake, the release said. 

“Thanks for following through with the commitment to support the preservation and perpetuation of the Wanapum,” said Clayton Buck, Wanapum liaison. “This is the understanding we have with each other.”

Clayton Buck said the museum also helps preserve heritage for the Wanapum. 

“Today is an important day for the future, for our kids,” he said. “Preservation of Wanapum culture and history is part of our oral history. Handed down by word of mouth.” 

Tom Flint, 2024 commission president, said the PUD has been committed to its relationship to the Wanapum since the utility received its original license.  

“It’s always been pretty much a handshake and trust, honor and respect,” Flint said. “And I think it goes both ways.” 

    Grant County PUD commissioners and staff received a tour of the new Wanapum Native American Discovery Unit Tuesday. From left, Grant PUD Traditional Programs Supervisor Lela Buck, PUD Chief Enterprise Shared Services Officer Fallon Long, Chief Human Resource Officer Tod Ayers, Chief Operating Officer Jeff Grizzel, PUD commissioners Nelson Cox, Judy Wilson and Tom Flint, Wanapum Liaison Clayton Buck, PUD General Manager/CEO Rich Wallen, Wanapum Tribe member George Mathias, PUD commissioners Terry Pyle and Larry Schaapman, PUD Chief Customer Officer Ty Ehrman, PUD Chief Financial Officer Bonnie Overfield and Cultural Project employee Kenny Mathias.
 COURTESY PHOTO/ROSALIE BLACK, GRANT COUNTY PUD