Celilo Falls: Echo of Falling Water by Richard Stefani
Imagine a place where the powerful echo of falling water resonates through the air, where cascading waterfalls and rapids cut through the rugged terrain. Celilo Falls, also known as Wyam, was once such a place. This historic waterfall on the Columbia River in Oregon was magnificent, with more water flowing over it than Niagara Falls.
For over 10,000 years, Celilo Falls was a bustling activity center for Native American tribes. It served as a crucial fishing and trading hub, providing a vital food source and facilitating the exchange of goods. The wooden platforms perched at the edge of the falls were where skilled Native American fishermen deftly caught salmon, a tradition that spanned generations.
However, in 1957, this natural wonder was forever changed with the construction of The Dalles Dam, which submerged Celilo Falls and created Lake Celilo in its place. The loss of this culturally significant site was deeply felt, especially by the Native American tribes who revered it for its spiritual, cultural, and economic importance.
The photographs in this collection capture the essence of Celilo Falls during one of its final fishing ceremonies in 1956, preserving the memory of a place that will forever hold a special significance in the region's history. In keeping with Richard Stefani's wishes, the nature, subtleties, and character of the 1950s film have been left intact.
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