Yakama Nation Cultural Heritage Center - Toppenish, Washington

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Yakama Nation Cultural Heritage Center - Toppenish, Washington

This 12,000 square foot center is fashioned after an ancient Yakama winter lodge.  The Yakama Nation Cultural Heritage Center tell of the life of the Yakama Indian, their life stories, survival and successes.  This is one of the oldest Native American Museums in the United States.

The exhibits in the museum will tell you the story of the Yakama Indian People through a blend of dramatic visual and listening experiences.  You will learn from the wonderful wall poetry, rich with oral tradition.  You will travel the time through the world of the Yakama ancestors up to the present day tribe.

The museum offers the experience of seeing life-size dwellings of the Plateau People, there are special sound effects along with narratives and music.

The Yakama believe that they have a responsibility to take care of the land that it was given in trust by the Creator to them to be held and protected for unborn generations.

There were different tribes and bands that created the Yakama nation of the Columbia Basin Plateau Tribes.  The following list are the names of the tribes and bands that make up the Yakama Nation: Palouse, Pisquose, Yakama, Wenatchapam, Klinquit, Oche Chotes, Kow way saye ee, Sk'in-pah, Kah-miltpah, Klickitat, Wish ham , See ap Cat, Li ay was and Shyiks.

The Yakama are no longer referred to as Indian, they passed a resolution to remove the word Indian and replace it with the official name of "Confederated Tribes and Bands of teh Yakama Nation."

At the site is also the Heritage Theater which provides movies to the Yakama Nation and all the communities in the lower valley.  The theater auditorium seats 350 people and the state is used for conferences, talent shows, plays, and graduations.  This is a great addition to the cultural enjoyment of the Nation.

The library is available for the general public and the Native American use.  Research and enjoyment are available here so come on over.

The campus has different hours and fees for the different entities. 
The Yakama Nation Museum is open: Seven Days a Week!
Sunday    8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Monday    8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Tuesday    8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Wednesday    8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Thursday    8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Friday    8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Saturday    9:00 am - 5:00 pm
   
Admission Prices
Adults (19-54)    $5.00
Seniors (55 & over)    $3.00
Children (11-18)    $3.00
Children (0-10)    $1.00
Family Rate     $12.00
–(2 Adults & 2 children under 18)
Enrolled Yakamas    free

The Gift Shop: Open Seven Days a Week!
Sunday            8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Monday            8:00 am - 6:00 pm
Tuesday            8:00 am - 6:00 pm
Wednesday    8:00 am - 6:00 pm
Thursday    8:00 am - 6:00 pm
Friday            8:00 am - 6:00 pm
Saturday    9:00 am - 6:00 pm

The Library: Hours
Sunday    closed
Monday            8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Tuesday            8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Wednesday    8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Thursday    8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Friday    8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Saturday    closed

Note: YN Library is closed on the last Friday of each month.

Cultural Center: Open Five Days a Week!
Sunday    closed
Monday - Friday    8:00 am - 12:00pm
    1:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Saturday    closed
CLOSURES:
Jul 4 — Independence Day
Sep 1 — Labor Day
Sep 19 — Indian Days

Location: 100 Spiel-yi Loop, Toppenish, Washington 98948

Phone: 509-865-2800