Washat

Washat. Also known as the Seven Drum Religion, it is a significant Native American religion that emerged among the Plateau Indians in the mid-19th century. Founded by the visionary leader Smohalla of the Wanapum band, it arose as a spiritual revitalization movement in response to cultural disruption and land loss. The faith synthesizes traditional indigenous beliefs with some Christian elements, emphasizing a return to ancestral ways and a deep connection to the natural world.

History

The religion originated in the 1850s through the teachings of Smohalla, who lived near the Columbia River in present-day Washington. His visions occurred during a period of intense pressure from American expansion, following the Oregon Treaty and the influx of settlers after the California Gold Rush. The Yakama War and subsequent treaties like the Treaty of Walla Walla dispossessed many tribes of their lands, creating a crisis that Smohalla addressed. He opposed the Dawes Act and assimilation policies, preaching that his followers should reject the American government and the Christian missionaries who accompanied it. The movement provided a unifying spiritual framework for various Plateau tribes, including the Nez Perce, Umatilla, and Cayuse, during a time of profound change. It influenced later movements, such as the Ghost Dance which spread from the Great Basin.

Beliefs and practices

Central to its theology is the concept of the Earth Mother and the Creator, with a strong belief in the sacredness of all creation. Adherents hold that the land, particularly the Columbia Plateau, was given to them by the Creator and must be cared for, rejecting the concept of private land ownership. Ritual life is deeply tied to the seasonal First Foods ceremonies, which give thanks for roots like camas, berries, salmon, and deer. The longhouse serves as the primary ceremonial space, where gatherings are held. A key practice is the Washat dance, a slow, clockwise circle dance performed to the accompaniment of singing and drumming. The faith incorporates some syncretic elements, such as observing a Sabbath on Sunday, but interprets it through an indigenous lens, distinct from mainstream Christianity.

Seven Drum religion

The name "Seven Drum" refers directly to the core ritual apparatus: a set of seven water drums used in ceremonies. These drums, traditionally made from hollowed logs and covered with animal hide, are considered sacred and embody the heartbeat of the earth. The number seven holds deep symbolic meaning, often associated with the seven directions (the four cardinal directions, up, down, and center) or other significant spiritual concepts. The rhythmic beating of these drums provides the foundation for all ceremonial songs and dances, including the weekly Sunday services. This distinctive practice differentiates it from other Native American Church traditions that may use a single drum or different sacraments, like peyote.

Cultural significance

The religion has been a paramount force in preserving the cultural identity, language, and sovereignty of Plateau tribes. It functions as a vital repository for traditional knowledge, including oral history, indigenous languages like Sahaptin, and ethnobotany. Ceremonies reinforce social cohesion and intertribal connections, as people from different reservations such as the Yakama Nation, Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, and Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs gather. It has also played a role in political activism, supporting treaty rights, especially regarding fishing rights in the Pacific Northwest affirmed by the Boldt Decision. The faith's emphasis on environmental stewardship continues to inform tribal management of natural resources.

Modern context

Today, the Washat religion remains a vibrant and active spiritual practice for thousands of adherents across the Columbia River basin. Longhouses are active on numerous reservations, serving as community centers. Practitioners continue to navigate a complex relationship with the modern world, balancing traditional practices with contemporary challenges. Issues such as climate change, water rights, and the protection of sacred sites like the Hanford Site are viewed through the lens of their spiritual teachings. The religion is also engaged in ongoing dialogue with academic institutions like the University of Washington and museums for the ethical stewardship of cultural artifacts. It stands as a enduring testament to indigenous resilience and spiritual continuity.