Native / Indigenous Programming

Whitman College is located on the traditional Cayuse, Umatilla and Walla Walla homelands. Whitman College recognizes the historical implications of colonization and respects Tribal elders both past and present and extends respect to the Indigenous peoples of this region. Whitman honors their stewardship of the land and ecosystem and their commitment to continuing that important work.

Whitman College entered into a formal Memorandum of Agreement with the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR) in 2017. That Memorandum of Agreement was updated and signed again at the historical Long Tent event on Whitman campus in 2022.

Whitman College and the CTUIR are taking steps forward together in recognition of the college’s dedication to help our students understand the history of the local Tribes of the Cayuse, Umatilla and Walla Walla peoples, their history in relation to Marcus and Narcissa Whitman and the history of the emergence of the college as we lift up the importance of building a strong partnership. Together, we are moving forward to create and cultivate a strong and vibrant Native American community, presence and student support program at Whitman College.

We are excited to announce the first annual Pášx̣apa Powwow at Whitman College, reflective of ur commitment to strengthening our partnership with the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation. Please join us on Saturday, Nove. 18, at 1 p.m. in Sherwood Athletic Center for this historic event. We suggest arriving 30 minutes early, for pre-grand entry ceremonies involving welcomes and the crowning of our first Miss Pášx̣apa!