The Wasq’u People & The Big River curriculum project is a collaborative effort between the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs Culture and Heritage Department, High Desert Museum, Confluence, and The Museum at Warm Springs.
This comprehensive, free-to-use curriculum for 4th and 8th grades provides an in-depth look at the Wasq’u (also spelled Wasco) Tribe, which is part of the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs. It focuses on their rich history, culture, and deep connection to the Big River, also known as the Columbia River. Teachers will guide students through an understanding of the Wasq’u people’s enduring strength, their commitment to their heritage, and the importance of cultural preservation.
The Wasq’u People & The Big River curriculum aligns with Oregon’s Social Sciences and English Language Arts standards and can be used by all classrooms, whether or not they visit the High Desert Museum or The Museum at Warm Springs.
Photo: Wasq’u teachers Radine “Deanie” Johnson, Valerie Switzler, and Doris “Teeny” Miller showing how to prepare salmon in different ways. Photo by Jarrette Werk, Underscore News + Report for America.
Top photo: Savannah Holliday-Smith fishing for Chinook salmon with her son, J’Von, along the Big River. Photo courtesy of Savannah Holliday-Smith.
Bottom photo: Under the guidance of her grandmother, Roberta Kirk, Tashina Eastman learned the tradition of gathering roots from her ancestral homelands. Photo courtesy of Roberta Kirk.
Curriculum Preface
Gain a deeper understanding of the vision behind the Wasq’u People & the Big River curriculum project by diving into the preface. This introduction offers a welcome from the Wasq’u people, shares the contributors who brought this curriculum to life, and outlines the approaches and inspirations used in its development.
Photo: Radine “Deanie” Johnson is the Language Coordinator for the Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs. Photo courtesy of Radine “Deanie” Johnson.
Kiksht Words: Pronunciations of the Language of the Wasq’u People
Listen to language teacher Radine “Deanie” Johnson as she pronounces each Kiksht word and explains its meaning.
Photo: Radine “Deanie” Johnson is the Language Coordinator for the Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs. Photo courtesy of Radine “Deanie” Johnson.
Grade 4: The Gifts of the Big River
In this curriculum, students will learn directly from Indigenous knowledge holders through videos, readings, images, and hands-on activities to gain a deeper understanding of the Wasq’u people and their connection to the Big River—past, present, and future.
Photo: J’Von Smith holds a root-gathering bag crafted for him by Natalie Kirk. Take a look inside the bag—can you guess which superhero is his favorite? Photo courtesy of Savannah Holliday-Smith.
Grade 8: Idenshait Iyagaitł Wimałba | Our Way of Life Along the Big River
Coming soon! Curriculum for 8th graders will be available here.
Photo: A Wasq’u woman looking across the Big River. Photograph by Edward Curtis.
Please Contact Christina Cid, Director of Strategic Projects, at ccid@highdesertmuseum.org
or (541) 382-4754 ext. 233 with all questions.
Collaboration of
