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)
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.

Request at UW

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

Acquisition Information

Donated by the Washington State Library Media Center, 2001.

Processing Note

Finding aid prepared by Kate Rosendale, 2015 and Kelly Burton, 2016.

Originally accessioned as part of PH2001-155.

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)