14
NOVEMBER 24–DECEMBER 1, 2021
CULTURE & HERITAGE
CELEBRATING THE HISTORY
OF EASTERN OREGON
Tamástslikt Cultural Institute
highlights native history, culture
By Tammy Malgesini
Go! Magazine
M
ISSION — The public is
invited to immerse them-
selves in history by exploring the
exhibits at Tamástslikt Cultural
Institute in Mission. And what bet-
ter time to visit than Friday, Dec. 3
— during Free First Friday, with no
admission charge the first Friday
of each month.
Celebrating the traditions of
Cayuse, Umatilla and Walla Walla
tribes, Tamástslikt features per-
manent exhibits, which are divided
into three main sections: “We
Were,” “We Are” and “We Will Be.”
In addition, the Coyote Theater
introduces visitors to Spilyáy,
the magical coyote who shares
about wisdom and foolishness in
LO S T I N E , O R E G O N
11 W am
to 7 pm Wednesday, Thursday, Sunday
EDNESDAY - SUNDAY 8 AM TO 8 PM
L 11
A T am
E O to
N 8
F R pm
IDA
Y AND
S A Saturday
TURDAY
Friday
and
541-569-2285
S C R AT C H M A D E
BEER
PIZZA
DENIM
AND MORE
G L A C I E R C O L D • FA W N F R E S H
EO Media Group/File Photo
Instructor Marjorie Waheneka, third from right, teaches a Native American
beading class in the Tamástslikt Cultural Institute gift shop. The museum is
located on the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, near
Wildhorse Resort & Casino, Mission.
a humorous exposition of how the
world came to be as it is today.
Randall Melton, the center’s
exhibits coordinator, is thrilled with
recent recognition. Tamástslikt
has gotten attention from both
TravelMag — as one of the top 10
exhibitions to visit in Oregon —
and for three years running, it has
appeared on Oregon Business
magazine’s top 100 fan-favorite
destinations in Oregon.
“We consider ourselves
ambassadors of the Confeder-
ated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian
Reservation in telling our story in
a respectful way … being straight-
forward and factual,” he said.
“Accolades like that means we
are following what our elders said
(in the planning process) — make
sure to do it in a hospitable way in
explaining our history.”
With a planning process that
spanned a decade, Tamástslikt
opened in August 1998. The
18,000-square-foot facility fea-
tures approximately 10,000 feet of
permanent exhibition space and
3,000 feet for temporary exhibits.
In addition, there is a cafe and gift
shop.
Melton, who has worked as a
permanent full-time employee at
the cultural institute since 1998,
said the name in the Walla Walla
language means, “to interpret.”
“For me, the highlight is the fact
that we are telling our story in our
perspective in our words,” he said.
“When opening up, that was a radi-
cal idea … now, it’s more common
to hear those voices.”
With only a couple of excep-
tions, the permanent exhibits
were closed for more than a year
because of the global pandemic.
Operations resumed in the late-
spring with reduced occupancy. In
addition, temperature checks are
taken at the door and visitors are
required to wear face coverings.
The Kinship Cafe offers native-
inspired foods, hot and cold bev-
erages, and tempting huckleberry
pastries. With current COVID-19
restrictions, the food and bever-
ages are available for takeout
service from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The museum store also oper-
ates at reduced capacity — but it’s
worth a visit and will be celebrat-
ing Black Friday sales Nov. 26-27
from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Shoppers
will find everything from Pendleton
Woolen Mills apparel, accesso-
ries and home decor to beading
supplies, bags, books, jewelry and
Tamástslikt exclusive and logo
merchandise.
Melton said plans are under-
way to resume traveling exhibits
in 2022. Also, sections of the
permanent exhibit will be updated
prior to the museum’s 25-year
anniversary.
Tamástslikt is located off Inter-
state 84 Exit 216, near Wildhorse
Resort & Casino, Mission. It is
open Tuesday through Saturdays
from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. During the
pandemic, people are encouraged
to call to confirm hours of opera-
tion. Masks and social distancing
are required.
Regular admission, which is
good for two consecutive days, is
$10 for adults, $9 for seniors, $7
for youths 6-17 and free for ages
5 and under. There is a family rate
of $30 for four. Also, the Libraries
of Eastern Oregon has provided
many area libraries with passes
that can be checked out.
To place orders at the cafe, call
541-429-7702 — weekly specials
are posted on the website. For
more information about the mu-
seum, call 541-429-7700 or visit
www.tamastslikt.org.