Guests of the First Foods dinner learning about the traditional stick-roasting method to cook the salmon that was served at the meal. ▣ J Gavin/CRITFC
GOLDENDALE, WASH. — Leaders and representatives from the Six Sovereigns—Yakama Nation, Nez Perce Tribe, Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, and the states of Oregon and Washington gathered at the Rock Creek Longhouse on October 6. The Yakama Nation and Rock Creek Longhouse invited them, along with allies of the Columbia Basin Restoration Initiative for a first foods dinner, songs, and words to celebrate of the collaborative work the four Columbia River treaty tribes, Oregon, Washington, and other organizations.
Yakama leader Jeremy Takala shares the history of the Rock Creek Longhouse and it’s significance along the Columbia River. ▣ J Gavin/CRITFC
Organized by the Yakama Nation and hosted by the Rock Creek Longhouse, the event was opened by Yakama Nation Tribal Council Member and Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission (CRITFC) Treasurer Jeremy Takala. Takala, Indian name Pax’una’shut, is from the Ḱamíłpa (kah-MILT-pah) Rock Creek Band of the Columbia River area. He sits on the Fish and Wildlife Committee, Legislative Committee, Law and Order Committee, and the Veterans Committee for Yakama Nation.
Chief Bronsco Jim, Jr, sharing a history and culture presentation with the guests. ▣ J Gavin/CRITFC
Chief Bronsco Jim, Jr., also of the Ḱamíłpa Band, shared stories of the Wanałáma (River People) and their ancestral ties to the land, the Big River, and the impacts of colonization has had on each. Jim explained the tribes’ ancient roots to the river which harken back to the beginning of time and discussed the violent upheaval that was the result of colonial contact. He also spoke about the ancestral lands and how they have changed over the years but shared how the Tribes have remained in their homelands and continue to upkeep their convenant with Creator to protect the land and all the First Foods.
Elaine Harvey and Chief Bronsco Jim, Jr. address the guests before entering the longhouse. ▣ J Gavin/CRITFC
CRITFC’s Watershed Program Manager Elaine Harvey followed with a presentation on First Foods and the modern threats to traditional gathering. Harvey travels across the region and country to give cultural presentations to shed light on the work it takes to preserve and protect Tribal treaty rights and foods as well as the threats they face.
She spoke about the responsibilities of a gatherer and how the experiences of gathering roots and berries has changed due to renewable energy projects in the basin and on Tribal lands. She explained how these projects are threatening sacred areas as well as endangering the survival of ancient foods. Jim and Harvey also spoke about initiatives to protect those gathering grounds and Tribal members’ right to harvest without harassment from commercial berry pickers. The successful ban of commercial huckleberry picking this year was seen as a win for Tribes to maintain the health and sustainability of the First Food. The huckleberries are revered as sisters to the Tribal people.
The day concluded in a community feast, honoring tribal sovereignty, cultural resilience, and the shared responsibility to protect the Columbia Basin for future generations.
First Foods cooks who prepared the traditional meal. ▣ J Gavin/CRITFC