The Oregon Symphony's recent performance of Nancy Ives' 'Celilo Falls' was a more polished rendition than its debut three years ago, emphasizing the tragic loss of Indigenous fishing waters. Ives, acknowledging her colonial heritage, collaborated closely with Indigenous artists to amplify their voices. This collaboration enriched the piece, which reflects the ongoing spiritual and communal connections that Indigenous peoples maintain with the Columbia River. The performance, larger and more dramatic than its initial chamber version, highlighted a story that resonated deeply with both Indigenous and non-Native audiences.
I truly did have an epiphany, and as I got up, someone caught a big salmon. Martha seemed to understand just what I needed to know to finish the piece.
The story of the loss of Indigenous fishing waters needed to be told... it was not her 'story to tell' because of her heritage.
The new shortened title - Celilo Falls - reflected the reality that Indigenous people continue to live on the Columbia River, preserving their spiritual and communal ties to the region.
Over three years as the piece took shape, a number of Native people helped.
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