A scene from the Yakama Nation Treaty Day Parade in June 2014. Photo from Gov. Jay Inslee / Flickr

The Yakama Nation of Washington holds its annual Treaty Day celebration this weekend.

The Yakama Treaty was signed on June 9, 1855. The agreement set aside a 1.3-million acre reservation for the tribe, guaranteed fishing, hunting and gathering rights on ceded territories and ensured tribal members can bring goods to the market without state interference.

The agreement will be commemorated by a parade, powwow and other activities from Friday through Sunday. The tribe is also honoring Nipo Strongheart, an actor and activist who was born in the post-treaty era.

The celebration comes as the tribe continues to assert authority over activities within reservation boundaries. Businesses and local governments are being asked to pay for operating licenses although some are refusing.

Get the Story:
Yakamas to pay tribute to Nipo Strongheart during Treaty Days (The Yakima Herald-Republic 6/3)
Mike Faulk: ‘Open Mike’: Nontribal operating licenses (The Yakima Herald-Republic 6/3)
Yakamas seek operating licenses from nontribal entities (The Yakima Herald-Republic 6/1)

Related Stories:
Supreme Court won't hear Yakama Nation treaty tobacco case (03/10)
Yakama Nation hunter convicted of one count in treaty case (02/16)
Yakama Nation man faces trial for driving in federal wildlife refuge (01/07)
Editorial: Yakama Nation and state must address gas tax issue (12/05)
Editorial: Yakama Nation must disclose plans for clean water (11/25)
9th Circuit rejects treaty claims of Indian tobacco manufacturer (09/26)
BSPR: Tobacco firm on Yakama Nation fights federal government (09/08)
Judge tells tobacco firm on Yakama Nation to pay $58M in taxes (09/05)
9th Circuit hears case over Yakama Nation tobacco manufacturer (08/29)