About Yellowhawk
Empowering our Tribal Community with opportunities to learn and experience healthy lifestyles.
Welcome to Yellowhawk Tribal Health Center
Yellowhawk provides high-quality, primary healthcare for the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR) and other American Indians and Alaska Natives in Oregon’s Umatilla and Union counties.
Owned and governed by the CTUIR, Yellowhawk has provided its community members with health-related programs since 1996. A non-profit organization, the clinic promotes health and wellbeing through a number of services.
“At Yellowhawk we provide more than care—we provide connection. Our wraparound approach is strength-based, family-centered, and community-driven.”
Our Services Include:
Medical and Dental Care
Mental & Behavioral Health
Health Promotion & Education
Disease & Substance Abuse Prevention
Community Wellness Programs
Building a Healthy Future.
Our foundational pillars for community growth and sustainable health.
Our Vision
“Our Tribal Community achieves optimal health through a culture of wellness.”
Our Mission
“Empower our Tribal Community with opportunities to learn and experience healthy lifestyles.”
Core Values
TAMÁNWIT • INTEGRITY • EQUITY • EXCELLENCE
The
Yellowhawk
Story
“Piitamyanon Maqsmaqs”, which translates into Yellowhawk, was a Cayuse Chief. He was the last surviving brother among the Cayuse men in the 1850s. As such, Yellowhawk took on the chieftainship and signed the Treaty of 1855 on behalf of the Paszapu Band of Cayuse.
This Cayuse group was later removed from the Walla Walla Valley and relocated to the Umatilla Indian Reservation. Yellowhawk was survived by his son Phillip Minthorn whose daughter, Anna Cash Cash Minthorn Wannassay, was on the original health committee.
Historical Perspective
In 1855 the United States Government and the heads of the Walla Walla, Cayuse and Umatilla tribes signed a legally binding contract that never expires. In exchange for land, the tribes were promised ongoing healthcare for their people.
“When I was a child and when I raised my children, we would go to the basement of the BIA building for healthcare… A doctor and nurse would come in from Pendleton once a month and offer basic shots and treat colds.”
— Chief Carl Sampson, Walla Walla Tribe