Select Page



Salmon Claus Preparing for His 2023 Visit Up the Columbia River

Nov 17, 2023

Salmon Claus and his helpers at the 2021 event.

It’s that time of year again! Salmon Claus is making preparations to spread holiday cheer to the children and elders living at the tribal fishing access sites along the Columbia River. CRITFC invites the public to help make the season a bit brighter for the tribal fishing families along the river.

Salmon Claus making a visit to the children at Celilo Village in 2018.

The easiest way to help is by using the Salmon Claus Amazon wish list. (Be sure to select “Health & Welfare Committee’s Gift Registry Address” in the shipping options. The gifts will be collected and wrapped there.) This option will close after December 11 to ensure items are received by the distribution date.

Click here to donate needed times from our wish list.

If you prefer to shop on your own for gifts, please drop them off by December 14. Needs include (please keep individual gifts to $30 or less):

  •  Toys for boys and girls ages 0-17
  • Blankets for Elders, Adults, and Children
  • Winter items (hats, gloves, scarfs, socks)
  • Gently used winter items: coats, boots, snow pants
  • Items for teenagers (boys and girls)
  • Other Ideas: coloring books with crayons or pens/pencils, board games, puzzles (adults & children)
  • Items to fill stockings for all ages.

Donation drop-off locations are:

  • Hood River: CRITFC Enforcement office, 4270 Westcliff Drive (business hours Sun-Sat)
  • Cascade Locks: Brigham Fish Market, 681 Wa Na Pa St (business hours)
  • Portland: CRITFC main office, 700 NE Multnomah Suite 1200 (business hours M-F)

Each year, the Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission carries on this tradition started over a decade ago by CRITFC Enforcement Officer Jerrod Daniel. Originally a staff event, the effort grew over the years thanks to generous gifts and donations provided by the broader community.