Wy·Kan·Ush·Pum Gala

Salmon Feast

Schedule

> Art Auction

Spirit of the Salmon Awards

Columbia River Indian-caught Salmon

Volunteer

TICKETS

"Celilo Falls" by Peter Lanquist from the 2005 Gala

The relationship between the Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission and Northwest native artists has grown out of a mutual concern for the protection and perpetuation of tribal culture. The Commission’s member tribes recognize the valuable role that tribal artists play in the process of educating the public about the vast history and culture of the Northwest tribes.

The Commission has supported the work of tribal artists through the coordination of Native American art markets that were integral to the largest outreach events the Commission has ever undertaken; the Jammin’ for Salmon (2000/2001) and Wy-Kan-Ush-Pum (2002) festivals celebrating salmon culture. The festivals attracted thousands of people to Waterfront Park in Portland, Oregon to learn about tribal culture and salmon restoration efforts in the Columbia River Basin.

Tribal artists support the work of the Commission through their contributions to the annual Wy-Kan-Ush-Pum Gala and Native American art auction. Many of the most renowned Northwest Native American Artists such as Lillian Pitt, Jim Jackson, Ed Archie NoiseCat, James Lavadour, Larry Ahvakana and others have contributed original artwork to ensure the success of the auction.