Confluence project

Confluence Project: Connecting People to the Rich History and Culture of Columbia River System

Confluence Project is a non-profit organization that aims to connect people with the rich history, living cultures, and ecology of the Columbia River system through Indigenous voices. The organization was founded in 2002 by Maya Lin, an artist and architect who designed the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington D.C.

The Confluence Project has a unique approach to education and cultural preservation. Instead of relying on textbooks or lectures, they use art installations, storytelling, and interactive exhibits to engage visitors with the history and culture of the region. The project has created six sites along the Columbia River system that showcase different aspects of its history.

One such site is Celilo Park in Oregon. Celilo Falls was once a major fishing site for Indigenous peoples who lived along the river. However, when The Dalles Dam was built in 1957, it flooded Celilo Falls and destroyed many Indigenous communities' way of life. Today, Celilo Park serves as a reminder of this tragic event while also celebrating Indigenous culture through art installations like "Listening Circle" by Maya Lin.

Another site is Cape Disappointment State Park in Washington state. This park commemorates Lewis and Clark's arrival at the mouth of the Columbia River in 1805 after their long journey across America's western frontier. However, it also acknowledges that this land had been inhabited by Indigenous peoples for thousands of years before Lewis and Clark arrived.

The Confluence Project's mission is not just about preserving history but also about promoting environmental stewardship. They believe that understanding our past can help us make better decisions about our future impact on natural resources like waterways.

The project has received numerous awards for its innovative approach to education and cultural preservation. In 2019 alone, they were awarded grants from organizations like National Endowment for Arts (NEA) Art Works Grant Program ($25k), Oregon Community Foundation ($50k), Meyer Memorial Trust ($100k), among others.

In conclusion,

If you're looking for an educational experience that goes beyond textbooks or lectures - one that engages visitors with art installations while promoting environmental stewardship - then look no further than Confluence Project! With six sites along Columbia River system showcasing different aspects from its rich history & culture through indigenous voices; there's something here for everyone interested in learning more about this fascinating region!