Kamiakin
Chief Kamiakin was a prominent leader of the Yakima tribe in south-central Washington during a tumultuous period marked by increasing encroachment from European American settlers seeking gold and opportunities. He was deeply concerned about the injustices faced by his people, including wrongful accusations and violent repercussions, which led him to communicate his grievances in a letter to a mission leader. In response to the pressures from settlers, Kamiakin sought to negotiate and protect his people's rights, even proposing to offer land in exchange for being allowed to remain on their ancestral territory without forced removal to reservations.
In the mid-1850s, he played a crucial role in organizing a meeting of various tribal groups to strategize against settler expansion. Kamiakin participated in the signing of treaties with multiple tribes, advocating for fair compensation for their lands, although he remained wary of the promises made by white authorities. Following the signing of these treaties, tensions escalated, leading to violent confrontations, including the death of an Indian agent. Ultimately, the increased conflict prompted Kamiakin to adopt a more subdued lifestyle after the Yakima War, relocating to Rock Lake, Washington, where he farmed until his death in 1877. His legacy remains significant within the history of Native American resistance and adaptation during a period of profound change.
Subject Terms
Kamiakin
- Born: c. 1800
- Birthplace: Near present-day Yakima, Washington
- Died: 1877
- Place of death: Rock Lake, Washington
Tribal affiliation: Yakima
Significance: Chief Kamiakin led the Yakima Nation during the Yakima War of 1855-1856
Chief Kamiakin was the most famous leader of the Yakima tribe in south-central Washington. He led the Yakimas at a time in history when they were being overrun by European American settlers, who flocked into the region in search of gold and a better life. Kamiakan was extremely concerned about false accusations against his people and even dictated a letter to Father Pandosy of the St. Joseph’s Mission. In the letter he protested hangings without even “knowing if we were right or wrong.” He offered to grant European Americans a parcel of land if they would agree not to “force us to be exiled from our native country” onto reservations.
During the summer of 1853, Chief Kamiakin coordinated a meeting of tribal groups in the central and western portion of Washington to make plans for dealing with the white settlers. During June, 1855, Kamiakin and several other tribes and bands attended a grand treaty council in the Walla Walla area. Eventually, treaties were signed by five area tribes, including the Cayuse, Walla Wallas, Nez Perces, and Umatillas. The treaty with the Yakimas was signed by Chief Kamiakin, Owhi, Skloom, and eleven other delegates. After being persuaded to sign the treaty, Chief Kamiakin said, “Don’t offer me any presents. I have not yet accepted one from a white man. When the government sends the pay for these lands, I will take my share.”
After the treaty was signed, an Indian agent was killed by an unidentified band of Indians in Yakima territory. The murdered agent, Andrew J. Bolon, was on his way to confer with Kamiakin about an ambush of miners in Yakima territory. Major Granville O. Haller led an expedition against Chief Kamiakin and the Yakimas to avenge Bolon’s death. Haller was defeated at Toppenish Creek, and Major General Gabriel Rains went to Yakima territory to settle the score with Kamiakin. Rains burned a Catholic mission at Ahtanum Creek after a skirmish with the Yakimas. Colonel George Wright wanted a meeting with Kamiakin. The Yakima chief had decided that further conflict was futile.
Chief Kamiakin lived a quieter life after the termination of the Yakima War. He moved north to Rock Lake, Washington, where he and his family farmed until his death in 1877.