One of Central Oregon’s most significant cultural celebrations returns this weekend. Pi-Ume-Sha Treaty Days will be held June 26–28 in Warm Springs, marking the 171st anniversary of the Treaty of 1855, which established the Warm Springs Reservation and preserved the tribe’s rights to fish, hunt, and gather on their ancestral lands.

Founded in the late 1960s, the annual three-day celebration draws visitors from across the region and is one of the largest Indigenous cultural events in Oregon. This year’s schedule is packed.

Full Schedule of Events

  • Thursday, June 25: Thursday Market, 10:30 a.m.
  • Friday, June 26: Powwow Grand Entry, 7 p.m. — Pi-Ume-Sha Grounds behind the Community Center
  • Saturday, June 27: Endurance Race, 8 a.m. near the Shaker Church; Parade, 11 a.m. from Campus to Community; Powwow Grand Entry, 1 p.m.; Treaty Days Indigenous Rez Boxing, 8 a.m.–8 p.m. at the Warm Springs Nation Warriors Activities Center (old VFW compound on Hollywood Blvd.)
  • Sunday, June 28: Powwow Grand Entry, 1 p.m.; Rodeo; Stick Game Tournament

A Family-Oriented Celebration

Organizer Vanessa Knightcrane, who is leading the stick game tournament, said the event is open to everyone — tribal members and outside community members alike.

“It’s really family-oriented,” Knightcrane said. “There’s something for everyone.”

The traditional stick game is a fast-paced, team-based game with deep roots in Indigenous culture. Two teams compete to find unmarked bones hidden in opponents’ hands, while drumming and singing add to the drama. Knightcrane said she welcomes curious newcomers.

“I guarantee it’s going to be a good time,” she said. “I’m open to answering questions — even if you just want to observe.”

Parade Carries Deep Roots

The traditional parade will be led by horses and honor guards. Ramona Baez, who chairs the parade committee, took over organizing the event after her parents — Verbena and Perry Greene, who ran the parade dating back to the 1980s — passed away. The committee fundraises year-round to make the event possible.

Vendors will be selling handmade crafts, traditional items, and food throughout the weekend. Most of the event’s operations are run by volunteers.

For powwow information, contact Robinson Mitchell at 541-325-2968. Vendors interested in participating can contact Sharon Katchia at 541-295-6046.

Pi-Ume-Sha Treaty Days is free and open to the public. Warm Springs is located approximately 30 miles southwest of Madras on U.S. Highway 26.