Tag: Nez perces

eastern oregon, Native Issues, Oregon indians, UncategorizedLeave a comment

Because they are Wasting the Lands! Colonization of Federal Lands by the Malheur Militants

David G. Lewis, PhD

The situation on the Malheur Reservation is very reminiscent of what happened to the tribes in the 19th century, when thousands of acres of Indian reservation lands were taken from the reservations and allotted to Americans seeking their piece of land, with the promises of opportunity. This notion maybe connected with that of Manifest Destiny, the idea that America has the god-given right to take all of the West and expand its empire to the Pacific. Its a very American model of taking land, because Americans are deserving of every opportunity, regardless of who they have to push out of … Continue reading Because they are Wasting the Lands! Colonization of Federal Lands by the Malheur Militants

California Natives, eastern oregon, General History, Oregon indians1 Comment

The Grand Enterprise of Six Tribes in 1845

David G. Lewis, PhD

In 1845, before the waves of settlers had come to the Oregon Territory, a confederation of six Oregon tribes worked together to begin to expand their resources and wealth. The “Kayuse, Wallawalla, Spokans, Nes Perces, Ponderays and Snakes” sought to create vast cattle ranches in their territories. Dr. Elijah White (Indian agent) reported the happenings of their grand enterprise to buy cattle in California from the Spaniards and drive them back to Oregon.

Continue reading “The Grand Enterprise of Six Tribes in 1845”