William Yallup Sr., a longtime Yakama Nation council member, died on Sunday at the age of 79.

Yallup, a direct descendant of 1855 treaty signer Wish-Och-Kmpits, was born in a teepee in 1926. He was raised speaking the Yakama language.

After serving 12 years in the military, Yallup began a career in tribal government. He was the Yakama Nation's chief judge before joining the tribal council in 1960. He retired in 2005 for health reasons.

Funeral services are being held today in Toppenish.

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Tribe mourns William Yallup Sr. (The Yakima Herald-Republic 6/20)