Yakama Nation Cultural Center

Phenomenal museum. Those who designed the cultural center, inside and out, clearly and carefully considered the visitor's experience. Information within the museum unfolds in an organic and experiential way, and you end up learning so much through senses (audio, what you see, going into a space). We loved the QR codes that let you hear the pronunciation of words. Take the time to read the texts about “when there was no Time, before history began.”

This is truly a wonderful center which combines a highly educational and enriching museum for anyone wishing to learn more about the History of the Yakima Nation, a good library which serves the local community, especially children and teens, but even adults (includes lots of great reading programs and activities) and a nice gift shop with high quality items , many of them made by local artisans and artists. We keep coming back as often as we can on our way up North.

This place is a proud memorial for a humble people who deserve our honor and respect. I've seen complaints about the items in the gift shop being "over-priced." It's a community center, your money goes to the community. Much like buying from the Goodwill or Salvation Army. Would you rather spend your money at the Casino? The most important thing you can do on your trip here is visit the museum. It tells the history of the Yakama Nation and how badly the US has treated them, for over 150 years. They have suffered losing 90% of their native land and having their sons and daughters taken from them to be forced into boarding schools and made to forget their culture and lifestyle. Even their religion, that teaches peaceful coexistence with all of nature and The Creator, has been watered down after years of western religious aggression. It's heartbreaking, to be sure, but also amazing that these beautiful people still live on their native land. Everything about this cultural center, the gift shop, the museum and even the library are filled with so much grace and strength. If you pay attention, you'll hear your guardian spirit calling out to you.