Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission
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Columbia River Indian Fishers Expo

The Columbia River Indian Fishers Expo is hosted by the Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission. This event provides Indian fishers with information, resources, and training that will help them improve river safety, fish quality, and equipment maintenance. The event and lunch are free for all Yakama, Umatilla, Warm Springs, and Nez Perce fishers. The Expo runs from 8:00 to 3:00 on Friday, July 28 at Best Western Hood River Inn, 1108 E Marina Way (next to the Hood River-White Salmon Bridge)

  • 8:30 Conference opening ceremony and welcoming
  • 9:00 Trade show opens; fiberglass repair, engine maintenance, and boat design presentations; farmers market panel; preserving fish quality workshop; fall fishery forecast
  • 10:00 Fiberglass repair, engine maintenance, and boat design presentations; food handler’s card certification class; Nez Perce Land Buy-Back Program workshop; aquatic invasive species
  • 11:00 Fiberglass repair, engine maintenance, and boat design presentations; preserving fish quality workshop; retirement planning for the self-employed
  • 12:00 Water safety panel
  • 12:45 Lunch (box lunches provided)
  • 2:00 Tribal Fish & Wildlife Committee Q&A sessions and afternoon clinics
  • 3:30 Expo closes

All items and schedule are subject to change.

The annual Columbia River Indian Fishers Expo is a chance for fishers to learn how to improve their safety, marketing, and business.



Tribal Q & A

Fish & Wildlife Committee Question & Answer Sessions: The Fish & Wildlife Committee members from the four tribes will each host their own question and answer session for fishers.

Luncheon Presentations

Keynote presentation: CRITFC Chairman and CRITFC Executive Director’s update to fishers.

Boat Repair

Boat Engine Maintenance: Ways to keep your boat engine running at peak condition. Also: common engine-killing mistakes and how to avoid them. (Workshop held outdoors.)

Fiberglass Repair: A hands-on overview of basic fiberglass repair. Fishers can bring their own boats to the workshop to address specific questions. (Workshop held outdoors.)

Quality Handling

Food Handling Certification Class: Open to members of all four tribes, this class will give fishers Warm Springs Tribe-issued food handler’s certification that is recognized by the State of Oregon for sales within the state. Oregon residency is not required, but fishers selling to non-Indian customers over the bank in Oregon are encouraged attend. Class given by Nancy Collins, Warm Springs Tribe Sanitician

Marketing

Selling at Farmers Markets: Farmers markets focus on local, sustainable products; this presents a great opportunity for Indian fishers. Learn how to participate in farmers markets.

Value-added Products: How to develop a product that meets food safety regulations. Discussions include proper smoking, canning, and packaging techniques.



Location

Questions?

If you need more information or have questions about tabling opportunities, please contact event coordinator Faron Scissons at (503) 238-0667.



Sponsors and Supporters

Nez Perce Tribe Land Buy-Back Program

Yakama Nation Housing Authority

Columbia River Fishers Memorial Task Force