One of Central Oregon's most culturally significant annual events is just weeks away. Pi-Ume-Sha Treaty Days, the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs' celebration and commemoration of the Treaty of 1855, returns to Warm Springs June 26–28, 2026 — and this year, horses take center stage.
This Year's Theme: Honoring the Horses
Organizers have chosen "Honoring the Horses" as the 2026 parade theme, celebrating the deep cultural and practical bond between the people of Warm Springs and horses throughout generations.
The call is open to all community members: bring your horses — traditional, ranch, rodeo, family, or therapy — to showcase their beauty and cultural importance. Organizers are specifically encouraging:
- Traditional regalia and horse masks
- Sacred paint designs
- Cowboy and ranch-style riders
- The next generation of youth riders
"This year is all about honoring the strength, beauty, spirit, and connection between the people and the horse — ensuring they are seen, celebrated, and remembered in a good way," organizers said in a statement.
Parade Details
The traditional parade will also include its familiar lineup of walkers and floats, with divisions for adults, teens, and youth. The 2026 Grand Marshals will be representatives from the Traditional Horses and the Rodeo Committee.
Parade registration opens Friday, June 26 at 3 p.m. at the powwow grounds and closes on the morning of the parade at 10:00 a.m. sharp. All participants must be registered in advance to join the procession.
Full Schedule of Events
Pi-Ume-Sha Treaty Days is a multi-day celebration open to the public. The weekend includes:
- Powwow at the Pi-Ume-Sha Grounds behind the Warm Springs Community Center
- Open Rodeo — Saturday and Sunday, June 27–28, starting at 1 p.m. both days at the Warm Springs Rodeo Grounds. Sunday features the Youth Open Rodeo.
- Stick games and other traditional activities
Strong sponsorship from local community members and surrounding areas has organizers particularly excited about showing appreciation to participants this year.
Historical Significance
Pi-Ume-Sha Treaty Days commemorates the signing of the Treaty of 1855, in which the Warm Springs, Wasco, and Paiute peoples negotiated the terms of their reservation and secured treaty rights — including fishing rights in rivers bordering the reservation — that remain legally protected today. The event is one of the oldest annual tribal celebrations in Central Oregon.
Warm Springs is located approximately 15 miles west of Madras on Highway 26. The celebration grounds are near the Warm Springs Community Center. The event is free and open to the public.