A summer of connections and continuing life at the Falls

As summer gradually comes to a close, and nature continues to follow its annual rhythms, we’re reflecting on a season marked by energy and constant life. Pacific lamprey and salmon made their summer passages through Willamette Falls, and we celebrated their millennia-long journey — and our ancient responsibility to protect them and the waterways that tie us together and give us life. Our lamprey relatives remind us of where we come from and where we’re headed. 

This was top of mind for us as we held our June board meeting in person for the first time since March 2020. Along with the sense of joy we all felt of being together again, we were filled with anticipation for things to come and the advancement of this important project. We were reminded of the power of Willamette Falls as a place that carries the breadth of histories of many Native communities connected to the water and land for countless generations, and at the same time, a space where cultural activities, exhibits, tours, events, and recreation will connect people from all backgrounds for years to come. 

“The Falls is a place where you can use your own imagination on how it took form there, a place that has many strengths in a mental, physical, and emotional capacity.” — Aaron Barber-Strong, Willamette Falls Trust Board Member

Earlier in the year, we had the honor of visiting the Falls with the Trust’s Tribal board members and leaders from the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation, the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians, the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, and the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs. For some, it had been over 40 years since they’d been up close to the Falls. Watch the video of this monumental day that meant so much to us all and hear first-hand as Tribal leaders describe the significance of coming—and working—together at this special place. 

We recognize that we’re in a moment in time where—across this country—important steps are being taken to elevate Native American leadership in decisions related to the land and water that they have stewarded for thousands of years. Last week, we saw another example of this.

On Wednesday, the Willamette Falls Legacy Project announced a significant step forward for the public riverwalk. The four partners committed to a new model that will bring together all five Tribes with connections to the Falls to the table, as part of the decision-making for the future of the project. We believe this could be the beginning of an authentic model of collaboration, and a critical new chapter in this much larger story—to center Indigenous voices in the creation of landmark public spaces that can bring us all together, connecting us to the things that are foundational to life: the water, flora and fauna, the fish—and each other. 

We hope you find many ways to connect to these natural wonders, and we’d love to hear how! Drop us a line on Facebook and share how you’re spending your last days of summer outdoors, on the river, or in the woods.