The Wanapum
Preserving the Wanapum Culture
We are proud of our relationship with The Wanapum, some of whom reside adjacent to Priest Rapids Dam. For more than 60 years, Grant PUD and the Wanapum have worked side-by-side to protect, preserve and perpetuate the natural and cultural resources of the Priest Rapids Project that are important to the Wanapum people.
The Wanapum
Brought together in the 1950s with the federal licensing of Priest Rapids and Wanapum dams, Grant PUD and the Wanapum Band of Native Americans committed to a long-lasting relationship built on mutual trust and respect. As construction on the dams began, the Wanapum stood in support of the utility. In return, the Wanapum maintain their traditional culture and religious lifestyles at their ancestral home.
Wanapum Heritage Center
Located next to the Wanapum ancestral village and Priest Rapids Dam, this 50,000 square-foot building is instrumental in perpetuating the importance of the culture, traditions and beliefs of the Wanapum for years to come. Completed in 2015, The Wanapum Heritage Center is important to maintaining the Grant PUD's relationship with the Wanapum. The site is located just north of the access road to Priest Rapids Dam.
LEARN MORE
HOURS
Mon Thur & Fri:
8:30am - 4:30pm
Tues & Wed
Closed
Sat & Sun:
9am - 5pm
The Wanapum Discovery Unit
The Wanapum Native American Discovery Unit (WNADU) is part of the Wanapum Heritage Center. The WNADU is a custom motor home that brings the Wanapum history and culture to you. Learn who the Wanapum are, what foods they eat, about their way of life, what is important to them, and how they maintain their culture. Inside the WNADU Visitors can view a miniature of the old Priest Rapids Wanapum Village and many other Wanapum artifacts.