Celilo Falls Net Fishing 1956 by Richard Stefani
Celilo Falls, also known as Wyam, which means "echo of falling water" or "sound of water upon the rocks," was a historic waterfall on the Columbia River in the U.S. state of Oregon. The falls consisted of cascading waterfalls and rapids formed by the river flowing through the Columbia Plateau. Celilo Falls is considered to have had more water flowing over it than Niagara Falls. For over 10,000 years, it served as a vital fishing and cultural site for Native American tribes, who relied on the falls to harvest salmon, a key food source, and for trading goods.
The Celilo Falls region was an important trading center for Native American tribes. Here, goods such as fish caught from the falls, animal skins, and more were exchanged. The region was also famous for the wooden platforms built at the falls' edge, where Native Americans caught salmon.
In 1957, the falls were submerged with the construction of The Dalles Dam, creating Lake Celilo, which now covers the entire area where the falls once stood.
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.