Established in 1872, the Colville Reservation covers 1.4 million acres in Northeast Washington and has been home to eleven bands since the 1880s. The Okanagan River forms the Eastern boundary, while Lake Roosevelt and the Columbia River form the southern and western. The major south entrance to the reservation is the bridge at Grand Coulee Dam, where a complex laser show illustrates the history of the dam, Lake Roosevelt and the Columbia River during the summer months. The Colville Tribal Museum and gift shop, located just across the bridge from the little town of Coulee Dam, is filled with the history of Native culture, a large collection of vintage photographs, videos on the geology and history of the area and fine examples of local artwork and crafts.
At 130 miles in length, Lake Roosevelt offers unlimited recreational opportunities for boating, canoeing, fishing, swimming and camping. The Colville Tribal Enterprise Corporation offers a nice choice of houseboats to truly experience the beauty and unspoiled quietude of the lake, which has had a rich history of aboriginal use for more than 900 years. The Colville Reservation also has a multitude of smaller pristine lakes, streams and parks to enjoy. The Reservation is world famous for the Omak Stampede and the Suicide Race, held in early August. The 4th of July Pow Wow is the Tribe's largest cultural event and attracts the best singers and dancers in the Northwest. The week long powwow commences the weekend preceding the 4th of July.
