The Umatilla are a Native American tribe whose ancestral lands are in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States, primarily in present-day Oregon. Throughout history, many Umatilla individuals have made significant contributions to various fields, including activism, art, military service, and sports. Here is a list of ten famous people from the Umatilla ethnic group:
- 1. Wilma Mankiller – The first female Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation and a prominent activist for Native American rights.
- 2. N. Scott Momaday – A Pulitzer Prize-winning writer and poet, known for his novel “House Made of Dawn,” which explores the Native American experience.
- 3. Lori Piestewa – The first Native American woman to die in combat while serving in the U.S. military. She was killed during the Iraq War and posthumously awarded the Purple Heart and Prisoner of War medals.
- 4. Marcus Frejo – A Native American activist and musician known for his involvement in the Indigenous Peoples March and the Standing Rock protests.
- 5. Allan Houser – A renowned sculptor and painter who created artworks that reflect the history and culture of various Native American tribes, including the Umatilla.
- 6. Jim Thorpe – A legendary athlete who won gold medals in the pentathlon and decathlon at the 1912 Olympic Games. Thorpe was of mixed Native American heritage, including Umatilla ancestry.
- 7. Pat Courtney Gold – A Umatilla member and expert basket weaver who has revived and preserved traditional weaving techniques using natural materials.
- 8. Rod Lewis – A former professional basketball player who played in the National Basketball Association (NBA) and Continental Basketball Association (CBA).
- 9. Bobby Johns – A U.S. Army veteran and the first Native American to be elected as a county commissioner in Oregon’s Umatilla County.
- 10. Angela Heath – A contemporary artist known for her mixed-media works that explore themes of identity, cultural heritage, and the complexities of the Native American experience.
These individuals have left lasting legacies in their respective fields, representing the strength, resilience, and talent of the Umatilla people. Their accomplishments serve as inspiration for future generations and contribute to the ongoing efforts of preserving and honoring Native American cultures.
Most Famous Umatilla Celebrities
Umatilla County, located in the northeastern part of Oregon, has been home to several noteworthy celebrities who have achieved fame in various fields. Here are some of the famous personalities with roots in Umatilla:
- Pendleton Sisters: Five sisters from Pendleton, Oregon gained fame in the early 1900s for their rodeo and equestrian skills. Bonnie McCarroll, the eldest sister, was one of the first women to compete in rodeos and tragically died from injuries sustained during a bronc riding accident in 1929. The youngest sister, Alice, became a renowned bronc rider and made history as the first woman to win a world championship title in saddle bronc riding.
- Don Reid: Don Reid, born in Hermiston, Oregon, is a Grammy Award-winning musician and songwriter. He is a founding member of the popular country music group The Statler Brothers. Reid’s songwriting contributions to the band’s catalogue include hits like “Flowers on the Wall” and “Do You Remember These.” The Statler Brothers achieved immense success and were inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2008.
- Ty Burrell: Ty Burrell, known for his role as Phil Dunphy on the hit television show “Modern Family,” was born and raised in Grants Pass, Oregon. Though not born in Umatilla specifically, his Oregon roots connect him to the area. Burrell has won multiple Primetime Emmy Awards for his performance on “Modern Family” and has become a beloved and recognizable face in the entertainment industry.
- Jared Hobbs: Jared Hobbs, originally from Hermiston, Oregon, is a successful professional golfer. Hobbs played college golf at the University of Washington before turning professional in 2009. He has competed on various golf tours, including the Web.com Tour and PGA Tour Canada. Hobbs’ achievements in golf make him a notable figure from Umatilla County.
These individuals exemplify the diverse talents and accomplishments of those with Umatilla roots, whether it be in the rodeo arena, music industry, acting profession, or sports world.
Factsheet About Umatilla People
| Ethnicity | Population | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Umatilla | 5,000 | 20% |
Umatilla Ethnicity: References and Resources
Here are some references to dig deeper about the Umatilla ethnic group:
- The Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation – This is the official website of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, which provides information about the Umatilla people, their history, culture, and current initiatives.
- Tamástslikt Cultural Institute – The Tamástslikt Cultural Institute is a museum and cultural center operated by the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation. The website provides insights into Umatilla history, artifacts, and exhibitions.
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Umatilla – This article on Encyclopedia Britannica gives an overview of the Umatilla people, their traditional territory, history, and cultural practices.
- The Oregon Encyclopedia: Umatilla – The Oregon Encyclopedia provides an in-depth exploration of the Umatilla people, their culture, as well as historical events and interactions with European settlers in the region.
- Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation Enrollment – This page on the official Umatilla tribal website explains the enrollment process and criteria for becoming a recognized member of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation.
As we continue to celebrate diversity and embrace the richness of different cultures, let us honor and draw inspiration from these remarkable individuals who have shaped our world. Thank you for joining us on this captivating journey.
