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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 31, 2007
(number of pages 2)
Wanapum Heritage Center Museum
Relive the past and experience the presence of the Wanapum’s culture
EPHRATA, WA – The Wanapum Heritage Center museum offers a rich cultural experience that details the life of the Wanapum band of Indians who have lived along the banks of the Columbia River for thousands of years.
A tour of the museum steps visitors through the region occupied by the Wanapum beginning in prehistoric times and ending with the construction of Priest Rapids and Wanapum dams. Among the displays are examples of beautifully beaded clothing and accessories, tools used for hunting, fishing and cooking, roots and berries gathered by the women for their feasts and storyboards that talk about their traditions and beliefs.
The museum represents Grant PUD’s commitment to the Wanapum and a long history of respect for their culture. It’s a place where visitors have an opportunity to learn more about the Wanapum, their way of life long ago and today, as well as their relationship with Grant PUD.
Visitors may want to make a day of their trip to the Wanapum Heritage Center. Grant PUD offers a shaded, grassy picnic area at the entrance to Wanapum Dam and the museum. There are also many public use areas near the Wanapum and Priest Rapids reservoirs where you can enjoy boating, swimming and hiking. Enjoy the recreational opportunities this area offers while paying attention to the posted warnings and keep a mindful eye to safety.
The Wanapum Heritage Center, adjacent to Wanapum Dam, is located five miles south of I-90 (Exit 136) and Vantage on Highway 243. The center is open Monday – Friday 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. For more information, call the museum at 509.932.3571, Ext. 2571.
The Wanapum Native American Discovery Unit (WNADU) is a mobile museum that brings the Wanapum history and culture to you. Upon entering the WNADU visitors are immediately taken to the river where the ceiling is the sky, the floor is the Columbia River and the walls are the shores of the river. The display includes a miniature of the old Priest Rapids Wanapum Village and many other Wanapum artifacts. This mobile museum travels to schools, fairs, events and celebrations throughout the Pacific Northwest providing a glimpse of Native American life. To schedule the WNADU for your event, call 509-754-5088, Ext. 3126.
More info about the Wanapum, their relationship with Grant PUD and their programs is available at www.gcpud.org/cultural.htm.
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Grant County Public Utility District is a Washington state municipal corporation that began electric service in 1942. Owned by the people it serves, Grant PUD generates and sells electricity to Grant County residents and millions of customers throughout Central Washington and the Pacific Northwest. The Priest Rapids Project, comprised of Priest Rapids and Wanapum Dams, produces nearly 2,000 megawatts of clean, renewable and reliable electricity – enough to supply a city the size of Seattle. A leader in science based technology; Grant PUD is committed to finding effective measures for the protection, mitigation and enhancement of salmon, steelhead and other natural and cultural resources.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Rita Bjork
(509) 766-2530 / rbjork@gcpud.org
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