Returning Celilo Falls
the falls in 1937 - 2008 underwater photos of the intact falls
Celilo Falls is one of the
most beautiful and powerful of places.
For as long as the elder people have memory, it has been a central place for Intertribal
gatherings, ceremonies, celebrations and trade in the Pacific Northwest. Her
pulsing and swirling energetic movements invigorate and enliven the waters,
which in turn enliven all whom the River meets.
The River is the lifeblood of the region. The Salmon who expose themselves so
clearly at the falls; they are the messengers, the connectors, the giveaway of
the wealth of the oceans, the forests, the snowy mountains, the smallest of
streams.
Celilo Falls is alive. She has nourished life for millenniums and the seeds of
her have grown around the planet earth. Songs she has inspired centuries ago
are sung by those of us who remember, those of us who have partaken, with
consciousness, in the blessing that she is.
In March of 1957 the physical form of Celilo Falls was temporarily destroyed by
the United States Army Corp of Engineers. This was an act of ongoing genocidal
relations with the Elder people of North America and the sacred landscape.
At the museum which the United States government operates at the Dalles Dam,
which flooded the falls, displayed words admit that the falls, which the dam
destroyed, were the central landmark, gathering place of the elder people of
the region from "time immemorial".
Amidst a deep betrayal of the most fundamental sources of life as created
beings - the qualities of clear waters, air,earth and warmth - soveriegnity of
self determination and access to the sources of earthly and spiritual
nourishment, native peoples have kept a continuos vigil at the place of the falls.
Each year at the honoring of the first salmon the old ways - the generous
thanksgiving for all life is opened to all open hearted people.
It is our dream to inspire Celilo's return to the fullness of her dignity and
healing life giving powers.
Returning Celilo Falls
– A Simple Vision
By Treothe Bullock
Why we can all benefit from participating
with the return of the falls.
Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission
Describes
experieces of the falls prior to and during the flooding of Wy-am (Celilo
Falls) – photos -
By Elizabeth Woody
“Building
a Conservation Economy” with Ecotrust – the living reality of Celilo Falls is
described by one who is personally rooted in the ancient lineages of Celilo
11,000+ years at the oldest
village site in North America - Celilo
Center for Columbia River
History
Historical
accounts, documents, letters and photos
This
site represents the beginning of a public movement to return Celilo Falls. Gratitudes
to each and everyone who gives a part of themselves to holding this vision in
your imagination. Share freely your experiences, inspirations and invitations
to action. If you would like to be notified of updates to this site or of
relevent upcoming events & actions let us know - we will include you on an
email list.