[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 91 (Thursday, June 17, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1135]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             HONORING WASCO TRIBAL CHIEF NELSON WALLULATUM

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                          HON. EARL BLUMENAUER

                               of oregon

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 17, 2010

  Mr. BLUMENAUER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of 
Nelson Wallulatum, chief of the Wasco Indians, who died on Sunday, June 
13, 2010 at age 84. His tenure on the Warm Springs Tribal Council 
lasted 50 years, during which he oversaw many major tribal undertakings 
including the construction of a key hydro project, fishing rights 
litigation, and habitat restoration. His knowledge of the tribal way of 
life earned him the respect and honor of all who knew him. I found 
repeatedly that his presence at a meeting added dignity and 
perspective, to the benefit of everyone around him.
  Chief Wallulatum was an expert in Tribal government and the 
Constitution, and a scholar of the 1855 Treaty in which the Wasco and 
Warm Springs Tribes ceded most of their lands to the United States. He 
served in the U.S. Navy from November 1943 to June 1945. He was also 
founder of the Museum at Warm Springs and educated younger tribal 
members in ceremonial customs and prayers. As an advocate of returning 
the sacred condor to Oregon, Chief Wallulatum named the first chick 
born in the Oregon Zoo's condor recovery program.
  Chief Wallulatum, defended Tribal sovereignty, fishing rights and way 
of life, and inspired the next generation of tribal leadership and 
stewardship. His legacy is written in the land, water, and people that 
he loved.

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