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The Wanapum lived above the confluence of the Snake and Columbia Rivers, a prime salmon-fishing area in what is now central eastern Oregon. Crowds of Wanapum turned out on the riverbanks to watch the arrival of the white strangers. A group of 200 Wanapum and other Indians later strode into the expedition camp, singing chants of greeting and banging on drums.
Lewis and Clark spent two days with the Wanapum, entertaining them and being entertained by their chief, Cutssahnem. The time gave Clark ample opportunity to write extensive descriptions of the houses, clothing, and physical characteristics of the people they met here.
Today, the Wanapum community is based at Priest Rapids, Washington.
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