Andrew Dominique Pambrun – Metís Immigrant in Walla Walla
Sam Pambrun portrays Andrew Pambrun
Andrew Pambrun was born at Cumberland House near the mouth of the Sasketchewan River in 1821. His father, Pierre Pambrun, was Chief Trader at Hudson's Bay Company Fort Walla Walla from 1831-1841. Andrew attended school at Fort Vancouver in 1832 and then at Red River School in Manitoba where he stayed and taught for 6 years.
Andrew returned to Oregon in 1850 and later worked for Hudson's Bay Co. at Fort Walla Walla. From 1855 to 1858 he served as an aide to territorial governor Isaac Stevens and was of great service during the negotiation of the Treaties of 1855. Pambrun continued to live in the Walla Walla area until his death.
Andrew is portrayed by his great grandson, Sam Pambrun, local historian, teacher and past president of the Umatilla Historical Society. The Pambrun family has lived in this area continuously since the 1830s.
The time he lived in was one of many clashes of different cultures and his stories are full of anecdotes coloring his life story. A fascinating story teller, Pambrun is very knowledgeable of the Metís [say: "MAY-tee" or "may-TEE"] culture and the history of Frenchtown.
Performances begin at 2:00 p.m. in the pioneer settlement at Fort Walla Walla Museum. Visitors are encouraged to question the Living History re-enactors about their lives and times. The Museum is open daily, 10 am - 5 pm, April through October; 10 am - 4 pm, November1 through December 23; and weekdays, 10 am - 4 pm, January through March.
Admission is free to Fort Walla Walla Museum members,
eligible service personnel & their familes through
the Blue Star Museums program, Tamástslikt Cultural Institute's
Inwai Circle cardholders,
enrolled members of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, and all children under 6;
$3/children
6-12; $6/seniors (62+) and students; $7/adults.
Your admission fee today may be applied to a membership,
priced beginning at $27. For more information, contact Fort Walla Walla Museum at 509-525-7703, or email: info@fortwallawallamuseum.org. |
