Chief Tommy Thompson: The Last Salmon Chief of Celilo Falls
Honoring the Last Salmon Chief of the Columbia River
Chief Tommy Kuni Thompson, a revered leader of the Wyam people, served as the salmon chief of Celilo Village for over eight decades. Born along the Columbia River in the mid-19th century, Thompson dedicated his life to preserving Indigenous fishing rights and cultural traditions at Celilo Falls—a vital fishing and trading hub for Native communities for thousands of years.
Early Life and Leadership
Thompson assumed the role of salmon chief around 1900, following the death of his uncle, Chief Stocketly. As salmon chief, or láwat, he oversaw the annual first-salmon ceremony, regulated fishing seasons, and enforced spiritual practices integral to the Waashat religion. His leadership ensured the sustainable harvest of salmon, a cornerstone of the Wyam’s diet and culture.
Guardian of Celilo Falls
Celilo Falls, known as Wyam in the Sahaptin language, was more than a fishing site—it was a sacred place where tribes gathered to fish, trade, and hold ceremonies. Thompson staunchly defended this site against external threats. He opposed the construction of The Dalles Dam, which ultimately submerged Celilo Falls in 1957, displacing communities and disrupting traditional fishing practices.
Legacy and Final Years
Even in his later years, Thompson remained a vocal advocate for his people. At the age of 102, he attended the final Feast of the First Salmon at Celilo Village, offering a poignant farewell to the falls. He passed away in 1959, two years after the inundation of Celilo Falls. His unwavering commitment to his community and cultural heritage continues to inspire future generations.
Honoring Chief Thompson
Chief Tommy Thompson’s life exemplifies resilience and dedication to cultural preservation. His efforts ensured that the traditions and rights of the Wyam people remained recognized and respected. Today, his legacy lives on through the continued advocacy for Indigenous rights and the remembrance of Celilo Falls’ significance.
I was 8 years old and a student at Fairview Grade School in 1949, Chief Tommy Thompson and his wife visited my class, he wore his full feathered headdress, as I shook his hand, his wife said, that he did not speak English, after shaking his hand, I looked at mine, his wife then stated, “Don’t worry, the color doesn’t come off!”, the Chief just looked at me and smiled!. I’m 78 , and the memory of that day is still fresh in my mind!.
My father told a similar story of when they came to his school in The Dalles.
My grandmother taught at Fairview Grade School-4th grade–Adah Hays. A Mr. Seahorn was the principal. I have a picture of her with the chief and his wife and author Martha Ferguson McKeown who wrote Linda’s Indian Home. I even went to Fairview for a time. Alice Davison was my 4th-grade teacher and Jim Davis for 7th grade. I wonder if you might remember my grandmother?
My dad was friends of Tommy Thompson. I remember about dusk, one evening when my father told me that we were going to go see chief Tommy. When we got to the place of the meeting, it was pretty dark. I remember standing by a pick up with the two of them. Tommy give us a couple salmon and thanked my father for working on his truck/,car.. I’m 87 years old will not forget that dark night, later, my dad took me to, the village outside of Pendleton, where his uncle was the federal Indian agent, Charlie Hoskins. Dad also showed me where the celilo falls people buried their dead.
My father was born and was raised in The Dalles. He too had memories of Chief Tommy Thompson. He would visit the children in school and tell them about the natives that lived there. Thank you for sharing.