Think Out Loud

Grand Ronde tribe releases plans for Willamette Falls site

By Allison Frost (OPB)
March 30, 2021 3:45 p.m. Updated: March 31, 2021 3:36 p.m.

Broadcast: Tuesday, March 30

Water cascades over wide waterfalls on the left, while an older industrial building sits atop low rocky cliffs on the right.

Few have seen the largest waterfall in Oregon up close, because it's been surrounded by industry for more than 150 years.

Ian McCluskey / OPB

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The Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde purchased the old Blue Heron Paper Company site at Willamette Falls several years ago. The tribe recently released its plans for the area. In addition to the long-awaited river walk, there will be housing, retail and plenty of environmental restoration. Kathleen George, a council member of the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde, tells us about the tribe’s emphasis on community and healing in its plans for this sacred site.


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