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The Last Salmon Feast of the Celilo Indians film, circa 1955
Overview of the Collection
- Title
- The Last Salmon Feast of the Celilo Indians film
- Dates
- circa 1955 (inclusive)19551955
- Quantity
- 1 film reel (19 minutes, 675 feet): black and white, sound; 16mm
- Collection Number
- PH0970
- Summary
- This film documents the building of fishing platforms at Celilo Falls, the weaving and mending of nets, fishing for salmon, and the final feast before the Dalles Dam was completed.
- Repository
-
University of Washington Libraries, Special Collections
Special Collections
University of Washington Libraries
Box 352900
Seattle, WA
98195-2900
Telephone: 2065431929
Fax: 2065431931
speccoll@uw.edu - Access Restrictions
-
Access to the original film is restreicted. A viewing copy is available for patron use.
- Languages
- English
Historical BackgroundReturn to Top
The Army Corps of Engineers began work on the The Dalles Dam in 1952 and completed it five years later. Slackwater created by the dam submerged Celilo Falls, the economic and cultural hub of Native Americans in the region and the oldest continuously inhabited settlement in North America. On March 10, 1957, hundreds of observers looked on as the rising waters rapidly silenced the falls, submerged fishing platforms, and consumed the village of Celilo. The Celilo Indians (or Wyam tribe) that are featured in the film are part of the larger Tenino tribe. This group has consolidated with others in the region to form the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs that exists today.
Content DescriptionReturn to Top
The film documents the last salmon feast of the Wyam people before the Dalles Dam was completed on the Columbia River -- an act that effectively destroyed the native fishing lands of the tribe. This feast is an annual ceremony in celebration of the salmon returning to the waters of Celilo Falls, and the film includes: the building of fishing platforms at Celilo Falls, the weaving and mending of nets, fishing for salmon, curing meat, and the final feast before The Dalles Dam's completion.
Other Descriptive InformationReturn to Top
Directed by Thomas Vaughan. Produced by the Oregon Historical Society.
Use of the CollectionReturn to Top
Restrictions on Use
Restrictions may exist on reproduction, quotation, or publication. Contact Special Collections, University of Washington Libraries for details.
Administrative InformationReturn to Top
Detailed Description of the CollectionReturn to Top
| Container(s) | Description | Dates | |
|---|---|---|---|
| viewcopy | item | ||
| VC451 | 1 |
The Last
Salmon Feast of the Celilo Indians The film opens with an adopted member of the Wyam tribe and a
member of the Oregon Historical Society speaking about the meaning of the
tribe's name and the significance of the falls to the tribe. It shows the
gathering of salmon for the feast from wooden platforms over the falls, the
weaving and mending of nets, the harvesting of roots and berries, and the
preparing of meat and fish for the feast. Chief Tommy Thompson then opens the
ceremony with a speech welcoming tribesmen, food is shared, and multiple dances
are performed.
Original1 film reel (19 minutes, 675 feet) : black and white, sound ;
16mm
|
circa 1955 |
Names and SubjectsReturn to Top
Subject Terms
- Indians of North America--History--Columbia River Valley
- Moving Image Collections (University of Washington)
- Visual Materials Collections (University of Washington)
- Wyam Indians
Geographical Names
- Celilo (Or.)--History
- Celilo Falls (Wash.)
Other Creators
-
Personal Names
- Vaughan, Thomas (director)
Corporate Names
- Oregon Historial Society (producer)
