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THURSDAY, JULY 17, 2003

Descendants of the Wenatchi Tribe are asking the federal government to fulfill an overdue promise to create a reservation for them in Washington.

The tribe is seeking up to 20,000 acres in the Wenatchee National Forest. It would be controlled by the Confederated Colville Tribes, which has enrolled the Wenatchi descendants.

The Wenatchis were signatories to the 1855 Treaty of Walla Walla but were never given their reservation. The Yakama Nation ended up ceding land that was promised to the Wenatchi Tribe.

The Wenatchis hope to reclaim their land base with the site where Wenatchi Chief John Harmelt is buried. But they are currently in a fight with the Yakama Nation over a traditional fishery.

Get the Story:
A forgotten tribe, a lost homeland (The Seattle Times 7/17)

Relevant Links:
False Promises, The Lost Land of the Wenatchi - http://www.falsepromises.com