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Andrew Pambrun – Metís Immigrants in Walla Walla

Andrew Pambrun was born at Cumberland House near the mouth of the Sasketchewan River in 1821. His father Pierre Pambrun was  Chief Trader at 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 the Hudson 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.

Pambrun is a fascinating story teller and raconteur. The time he lived in was one of many clashes of different cultures and thus his stories are full of anecdotes and his life story. He is very knowledgeable of the Metís culture and the history of Frenchtown.

Come meet Andrew at Fort Walla Walla Museum. He 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.

Museum hours are 10 am to 5 pm daily. Admission is free to members, children under 6, and through a reciprocal agreement Tamástslikt Cultural Institute's Inwai Circle cardholders and enrolled members of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation; $3 for children ages 6-12; $6 for seniors (62+) and students; and $7 for adults. Your admission cost can be applied to a membership, which includes free admission to all Living History performances, priced beginning at $25. For more information, contact Fort Walla Walla Museum at 509-525-7703 or email: info@fortwallawallamuseum.org