Statue of Chief Clarence T. Burke
Standing proudly in downtown Pendleton, the bronze statue of Chief Clarence T. Burke pays tribute to one of the most beloved and recognizable figures in the region’s history. A Cayuse tribal member of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, Chief Burke served as the Pendleton Round-Up Chief from 1936 until his passing in 1987—an astounding 51-year tenure. Known across the country as “the most photographed Indian chief in America,” he embodied grace, leadership, and a deep commitment to cultural preservation. The statue was sculpted by renowned artist Greg Plutanovich and captures the quiet strength and wisdom of Chief Burke, who was born in 1889 and remained a community pillar until 1987. This powerful piece not only honors his personal legacy, but stands as a lasting symbol of the Round-Up spirit and the enduring presence of Native culture in Pendleton.