New Chief for Confederated Tribe Umatilla Indian Reservation

INDIAN LAKE, Oregon. - The Confederated Tribe of the Umatilla Indian Reservation rejoiced in song and prayer for Gary Burke. Burke was chosen by his father, the late Chief Raymond Burke, to serve as the new chief of the tribe. For Gary, accepting the command and responsibility of that role wasn't easy.

He was my father, he wasn't the chief, but after I thought about it," Burke said. What he wanted me to do, it took a lot of thinking, soul searching." Tribal members, along with Gary's uncle's held a "Chief's Dance. The dance shows support and respect. It is one of the highest honors one can receive in the tribe. Tribal Whipman, Allen Crawford said Gary has always thought of others first.

"He's thinking of his people first," says Crawford. What can I do to help my people? My job is to serve my people and that's his train of thought."

There are more than 2,000 tribal members, all who will now rely on the guidance and judgements of Chief Gary Burke. He will educate his people while continuing traditions that are thousands of years old.

"He's our leader," said Cayuse Tribal member Lance Winn. He leads us in our traditions, keeps our traditions alive. Helps teach our children our traditions."

And those children will likely become the tribe's successor down the road. Identity is very important to Indian culture. Men, women, and children are very proud of who they are. And its important for celebrations like today...to continue.

"If I start this now, people will witness it, young people," said Burke. And the story will carry on. Hopefully into the future somebody else will pick it up."