Celilo Village, Oregon facts for kids
Celilo Village is a special Native American community in Oregon, United States. It's located right on the Columbia River, a very important river in the Pacific Northwest. This village is in northeastern Wasco County, near a place called Lake Celilo. Long ago, this area was home to the famous Celilo Falls, a huge waterfall that was vital to the Native people.
Celilo Village is considered an "unincorporated area." This means it's a community that doesn't have its own local government like a city or town. Instead, it's part of the larger county. In 2003, about 100 people lived here. The village has a rich history as a major cultural and trading hub for many different Native American tribes.
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A Place of History and Culture
For thousands of years, Celilo Falls was a central gathering place. Native American tribes came from all over to fish for salmon, trade goods, and hold important ceremonies. The falls were like a natural supermarket, providing a huge amount of fish. This made the area very important for the tribes' way of life and their culture.
The Dalles Dam and Its Impact
Sadly, in 1957, the amazing Celilo Falls disappeared. The The Dalles Dam was built on the Columbia River, and its waters flooded the falls. This event changed everything for the tribes who depended on the falls. It was a huge loss for their fishing traditions and cultural practices. The dam was built by the United States Army Corps of Engineers, an agency that builds and manages many dams in the U.S.
Life in Celilo Village Today
Even though the falls are gone, Celilo Village remains a home for many Native Americans. Most residents are members of the Yakama Nation or the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs. Some also belong to the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation or the Nez Perce tribe. These tribes have deep historical connections to the Columbia River and its resources.
Fishing Traditions Continue
Fishing is still a very important part of life in Celilo Village. Residents continue to fish for salmon, steelhead, and sturgeon in the Columbia River. While the original fishing spots at Celilo Falls are gone, special "in lieu" (meaning "in place of") fishing sites have been set up. These sites allow tribal members to keep their traditional access to the river. Today, tribal fishing often involves using gillnets or fishing from special platforms built along the riverbanks. In 2006, a new tribal longhouse was built in the village, providing a community space for gatherings and ceremonies.
