CTUIR Buys Former Seventh Day Adventist Building for Child Care Expansion

MISSION – In an effort to expand child care services for the immediate tribal community, the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR) recently purchased the former Seventh Day Adventist building at 46576 Mission Road.

The nearly 4,000-square-foot building comes with approximately 2.5 acres that will allow the CTUIR Early Childhood Services Program to expand its early learning classrooms, further enhancing access to family centered, culturally grounded programming.

“The building will be renovated to serve as a day care for children 2-1/2 and older,” said CTUIR Deputy Executive Director Chanda Yates. “The total number of children will be decided during future building development team meetings, but the expansion reflects CTUIR’s ongoing commitment to creating safe, welcoming environments where children can thrive academically, socially and emotionally.”

By looking to increase capacity and program offerings, the CTUIR is addressing the region’s growing demand for child care. The expansion will also support families by offering greater flexibility in selecting child care options that meet their needs.

“Day care is vital to young families in rural communities,” Yates said. “This initiative will provide safe reliable care for children while parents work, support early childhood development and strengthen the local economy by making it possible for families to live and thrive where they are rooted.”

The CTUIR bought the building not only because it develops infrastructure for Early Childhood Services but also because it’s a part of the Umatilla Indian Reservation.

“This building has been historically part of the community as a church school and welcomed tribal members. It is a natural fit for our goals to expand day care for CTUIR,” Yates said.

Further details about the expansion, including employment opportunities and student enrollment, will be shared throughout the coming year.

CTUIR officials signed closing documents in September, paying $500,000 for the property with funds from a Seeding Justice grant. Seeding Justice grants support grassroots organizations and initiatives focused on social change, particularly for marginalized Oregon communities.

The Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation is comprised of the Cayuse, Walla Walla and Umatilla Tribes, and formed under the Treaty of 1855 at the Walla Walla Valley, 12 Stat. 945. In 1949, the Tribes adopted a constitutional form of government to protect, preserve and enhance the reserved treaty rights guaranteed under federal law.