Celilo Legacy March 10, 2007

Fifty years ago on March 10, the great Celilo Falls was buried beneath the reservoir behind The Dalles Dam. This tragedy harmed the tribes that depended on the salmon harvested there, the salmon, the health of the Columbia River, and indeed the region as a whole.

Now, on the 50th anniversary of this loss, the people of Celilo Village invite you to take part in an historic commemoration dedicated to Celilo Falls. The event will include three venues:

1. Celilo Longhouse: The Celilo Longhouse is the heart of Celilo Village. As such, it is the center for all official and ceremonial aspects of the commemoration. The opening ceremony, dignitaries’ speeches, salmon feast, and the powwow will take place inside the longhouse on Saturday. Sunday begins with a traditional Washat service, followed by a tribal elders’ roundtable The event will conclude with a closing ceremony in the longhouse on Sunday afternoon.
2. Wy-Kan-Ush-Pum Village: "Wy-Kan-Ush-Pum" means "Salmon People" in Sahaptin, the common language of the mid-Columbia tribes. The Wy-Kan-Ush-Pum Village will consist of displays and exhibits by tribes, agencies, and organizations that will show the history of Celilo Falls, tribal salmon culture, salmon issues, and river issues. There will also be live demonstrations of tribal crafts, including traditional dipnet tying.
3. River Encampment: Celilo Park, on the banks of the Columbia River will be reserved for individuals wanting to set up tepees to camp on-site during the two-day event.

We hope that you can take part in this historic and important event. It is free and open to the public.

Official Website: http://www.celilowyam.org/index.html