Finding aid revised in March 2023.
This collection may consist of materials containing information considered sensitive and/or proprietary by source community. Until policies have been established between the University of Oregon and applicable tribal communities under the Protocols for Native American Archival Materials, access is restricted. When approved, collection must be used in Special Collections and University Archives Reading Room.
The Umtuk or Umtuch family are descendents of Klickitat Chief Umtuch, often cited as being partially responsible for the peaceful resolution of a local conflict at Fort Vancouver during the Yakama Indian Wars in 1855. Various members of the Umtuch family have remained very actively involved in and around Washington and Oregon for decades, including serving as judges, health officials, and cultural leaders of the Yakama Nation.
This collection contains photos of the Umtuch family, friends, and community. Originally housed in four photo albums, only one of which remains intact, the photos depict family and community life in and around Vancouver, Washington and ancestral and modern Klikitat tribal land. Many of the photos are professional or school portraits, especially of family members as babies and young children, but also include a large number of candid snapshots. Images date back to the early twentieth century and feature scenes from around the home as well as some tribal activities, such as funerals and communal gatherings.