The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs are in mourning following the passing of Chief Rafael Queahpama, whose death on June 17th came just weeks after he assumed one of the three permanent, lifetime chief seats on the Tribal Council.

Chief Queahpama had been officially sworn in on May 20th and was traditionally installed at the Simnasho Longhouse on May 30th — a ceremony that marks one of the most solemn traditions in Warm Springs governance. He had succeeded the late Chief Delvis Heath Senior, who passed away in March.

Before ascending to the position of Chief, Queahpama served the Warm Springs community for a decade as a Sub Chief, a role he assumed following a traditional ceremony in 2016. His deep commitment to the tribe and its traditions defined his years of service.

Structure of Warm Springs Tribal Leadership

The Warm Springs Tribal Council balances eight elected district representatives with three permanent, traditional lifetime chiefs — one representing each of the reservation's distinct tribal nations: the Warm Springs, the Wasco, and the Paiute peoples. The chief seats are held for life and are filled through traditional, community-led processes when vacancies arise.

The loss of Chief Queahpama is the second time in just a few months that the Warm Springs community has had to navigate a leadership transition at the chief level.

Funeral Arrangements

Funeral arrangements for Chief Queahpama began on June 17th. A dressing service was held that afternoon at 3:00 p.m. at the Simnasho Longhouse, followed by All-Denominations services and an overnight Washut ceremony, which included a midnight meal in keeping with traditional practice.

The burial took place Thursday morning, June 18th. A procession departed from the Simnasho Longhouse at 7:00 a.m., headed to the Simnasho Cemetery.

The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs have not yet publicly announced a timeline for filling the vacancy left by Chief Queahpama's passing. The community is encouraged to reach out to KWSO 91.9 FM or the Tribal Council offices for updates on services and any future commemorative gatherings.

The Madras Bulletin extends its deepest condolences to the Queahpama family and to all the people of Warm Springs during this time of loss.