Tribes Again Lead the Way
Tribal people across the United States are once again showing the way, this time by leading the country in vaccination rates. As of this week, 55 percent of Natives in Umatilla County are vaccinated compared to only 31 percent for the whole county. And 51 percent of...
In memoriam: Elizabeth Furse
Photo of Elizabeth at CRITFC's 2006 Wy-Kan-Ush-Pum Gala where she announced and gave out that year's Spirit of the Salmon awards. — The Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission mourns the loss of Elizabeth Furse. Her advocacy for Native people was tireless....
In Memoriam: Johnny Jackson
The Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission mourns the loss of our elder and Commissioner atway Johnny Jackson after his recent hospitalization due to COVID-19. Jackson was Chief of the Cascade Band of the Yakama and represented the Yakama Nation at CRITFC with...
In Memoriam: Bobby Begay
It is with heavy hearts we share that CRITFC has lost one of our own. Bobby Begay—Celilo Village leader, Yakama tribal member, and the CRITFC lead fish technician—passed away last night from COVID-19 complications. Bobby was dedicated to his family, the Celilo...
2020 Census and Tribes
The 2020 United States census is underway. This count, which happens every 10 years, helps determine federal funding, representation, and services throughout the country. It is especially important to Indian Country, as an accurate count provides the data to plan for...
Tribes Welcome Lamprey to Oregon Zoo
Sunday, September 29, tribal leaders, dancers, and drummers helped welcome Pacific lamprey to the Oregon Zoo in Portland. A gathering of over 200 tribal, federal, state, and local dignitaries, elected officials, and general public attended the event. Representatives...
Umatilla Leader Jeremy Red Star Wolf Sworn in as New CRITFC Chair
Jeremy Red Star Wolf (Umatilla) taking the oath of office to become the 2019-2020 CRITFC chair. The oath was administered by outgoing chair Ryan Smith (Warm Springs). Umatilla tribal leader Jeremy Red Star Wolf was sworn in as the 2019-2020 chairman of the Columbia...
Lamprey Arrive at the Oregon Zoo
Today the Oregon Zoo in Portland, in partnership with CRITFC and its member tribes and the US Fish & Wildlife Service, welcomed Pacific lamprey to the zoo’s Pacific Northwest exhibit. Their new home next to the salmon, sturgeon, and bald eagle habitat was given a...
Honoring Oceans on World Oceans Day
Thanks to the heroic efforts and sacrifice of the salmon, people, animals, and plants hundreds of miles from the coast can take part in the richness that the ocean provides. On World Oceans Day, we honor the gifts that the oceans provide.
Indigenous Peoples Day
by Jeremy FiveCrows, critfc public affairs “Everywhere you are, Indians have been.” This phrase captures the simple truth of the history of this land. Every hill; every creek; every meadow; every forest; every river on this continent has a story of its connection to...