For centuries, the roar of the great waterfall Celilo Falls echoed from the canyon walls near the start of the Columbia Gorge. Celilo Falls made visible the power and majesty of the Columbia River. In these tumultuous waters, Indians caught the giant Chinook and other salmon that struggled to make their way upstream through the rocky barrier of tumbling waters and swift, narrow channels. The ancient ones left a record in the ashes of campfires and buried sanctuaries of their dead. They left tools and weapons, items of adornment, and samples of their art. Celilo Falls was one of the longest occupied sites in North America.

That world came to an end on the morning of March 10, 1957. Massive steel and concrete gates of The Dalles Dam closed, choking back the unimaginable force of the mighty Columbia River. Six hours later and eight miles upstream, Celilo Falls, the age-old Indian salmon fishery was under water.

That was 50 years ago. Most of the leaders have since passed on. But the spirit of Celilo still lives in the traditions and religions, indeed the very souls of Columbia River Indian people.

Today the Columbia River flows silently past this ancient fishing site. The falls’ rugged rock outcrops and turbulent waters are out of sight; its deafening roar silences, buried under the waters of Lake Celilo. But the memory of Celilo will always be held in solemnity by the Salmon People of the Columbia River.