Tribal leaders around the North west are remembering the legacy of Wasco Chief Nelson Wallulatum Tuesday. He led he tribes since 1959 and passed away Sunday at the age of 84. Will Robbins reports from KWSO in Warm Springs, Oregon.
For the past half century Wasco Chief Nelson Wallulatum has had a say in just about every major tribal undertaking in the Northwest.
From central Oregon's the Pelton Dam to a landmark lawsuit over treaty fishing rights Wallulatum left an indelible mark on the tribal history.
After The Dalles and Bonneville dams were constructed, Wallulatum worked tirelessly to preserve access to traditional fishing spots for tribal members.
In the 1960s he learned that many tribal artifacts and historical items were being stolen… So he wanted to create a place for tribal heirlooms and treasures to be preserved.
He was instrumental in the development of the Museum at Warm Springs.
Wallulatum was fluent in the Wasco language and often spoke in his native tongue at events.
