The walls of Oregon Trail Gallery & Trading Post are lined with classic American Indian artwork, jewelry, clothing and artifacts.

Shop owner Jim Carrico has built up a diverse trove over the years that includes bracelets, necklaces, earrings, dresses and items such as hand drums, headdresses, obsidian knives and decorated buffalo skulls. All the creations are authentic, made by tribal members using traditional methods. The shops most popular items lately are multi-colored, beaded earrings.

Also tucked away in the shop are Western artifacts from cowboy culture such as leather riding chaps and replica swords the Indian War blades look like something General Custer would ride into battle with.

The trading post moved from Stanfield to Umatilla in 1992 when Carrico, now 85, and his late wife found an opening on the main stretch of town at 621 6th St., along the Columbia River. Once they settled down, they never had the urge to move again.

Im in a place where people pass back and forth, he said. Im kind of centrally positioned here.

Umatilla is between Yakima and Pendleton, so the shop sees customers from tribes across northeast Oregon and southeast Washington. Most of them are Umatilla, Yakima, Walla Walla and Nez Perce, but he also sees the occasional Warm Springs and Navajo member. Carrico feels a strong sense of empathy for the tribes, since his wifes grandfather was Osage.

In my own mind, I think all of the tribes suffered apartheid, he said, referring to their forced relocation. It aggravates me when they make these movies and theyre never true to fact.

Late summer is the busiest time of year for Carrico. In the months leading up to the Pendleton Round-Up, his trading post acts as a hub for participants in the festivities. Drum makers come in for his stash of buckskin drumheads. Happy Canyon princesses come in for jewelry and materials required to make their outfits.

The girls I get theyre always the most beautiful, sweet and nice, said Carrico.

A section of his wall honors Happy?Canyon royalty of the past and present. This years princesses, Carina Vasquez Minthorn and Anna Harris, are front and center. At the 2013 Round-Up, Harris will wear earrings from Carricos shop.

Out of all his customers, Carrico has a soft spot for children. He keeps a plastic tub of stuffed animals and an M&M candy dispenser in case any kids visit. Though he doesnt see many on a daily basis, he likes to stay prepared.

Carrico realizes he will need to pass the shop down to younger hands in the near future. The most likely candidate is his daughter, who already comes in to lend a hand once a week. Carrico suggested that she might move the shop to Pendleton, closer to the Umatilla?Indian Reservation, when she takes charge.

Somebody will try to keep it going as long as theres a need for it, said Carrico.

Patrick Mulvihill is a summer intern for the East Oregonian. Contact him at pmulvihill@eastoregonian.com