Tamkaliks Celebration

During the Lewis and Clark Expedition (1804–1806), the Corps of Discovery encountered several bands of the Nez Perce, including groups related to what would later be identified as the Wallowa Band. The Nez Perce provided critical assistance to the expedition by helping the explorers with food, shelter, and guidance over the Bitterroot Mountains. Without this aid, the journey westward would have been significantly more difficult and potentially deadly.

The Tamkaliks Celebration is a vibrant three-day event held in July in Wallowa, Oregon, serving as a poignant commemoration of the return of the Wallowa Band of the Nez Perce people to their ancestral homeland. Traditional songs and dances are at the heart of the festivities, providing a powerful means for participants to connect with their cultural heritage and express their identity through movement and music. The event also features a diverse array of vendors offering traditional crafts, artwork, clothing and food, allowing attendees to immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of Nez Perce culture while supporting local artisans.

Throughout the celebration, special ceremonies such as name givings and memorials honor the ancestors and leaders who have shaped the history and identity of the Nez Perce people. Additionally, the drum circle serves as a communal gathering point where participants come together to share their culture’s rhythmic heartbeat, fostering a sense of unity and connection among attendees. The Tamkaliks Celebration is a testament to the resilience and strength of the Nez Perce people, providing an opportunity for descendants and visitors alike to come together in friendship and celebration.

The Nez Perce Wallowa Homeland grounds at 70956 Whiskey Creek Road, Wallowa, offer year-round amenities for returning Wallowa Band descendants. These include cultural youth programs and seasonal cultural activities such as hunting and meat processing camps, root digging and longhouse ceremonies. The 320-acre land is dedicated to supporting the cultural and spiritual needs of tribal members who call the Wallowa homelands home.

The celebration is surrounded by some of the Pacific Northwest’s most stunning natural attractions. The Eagle Cap Wilderness, part of the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest, is just 30 miles away, offering breathtaking hiking trails, alpine lakes and scenic vistas. Hells Canyon National Recreation Area, about 60 miles to the east, features dramatic landscapes and the deepest river gorge in North America, perfect for hiking, boating and wildlife viewing.

Eastern Oregon Regional Airport in Pendleton is the nearest airport, approximately 85 miles southwest of Wallowa. The nearest Amtrak station is in La Grande, about 50 miles to the south, providing rail access for those who prefer to travel by train.