The Evolving Redheart Memorial

05/23/23 • 29 min

For several years Confluence has gathered oral history interviews on an event known as the Redheart Memorial. It's an annual commemoration in Vancouver, Washington, to honor the suffering of the Redheart Band, who the US Army imprisoned in 1877. Over the years, the Redheart memorial has evolved and deepened. In today’s episode, we’re going to hear from three Nez Perce Tribal members: Jeffery Scott, Clendon Allen, and Danae Wilson. You’ll hear them talk about the healing this memorial brings, despite the tragedy it commemorates. Over the years, the Redheart memorial has evolved and deepened. In today’s episode, we’re going to hear from three Nez Perce Tribal members: Jeffery Scott, Clendon Allen, and Danae Wilson. You’ll hear them talk about the healing and happiness this memorial brings, despite the tragedy it commemorates.

Previous Episode

Stories from the Canoe

Canoe culture has been integral to the Columbia River system’s Indigenous people since time immemorial. And Tribal canoes are still on the water today. In this episode of the Confluence Podcast, we hear from Brian Krehbiel and Bobby Mercier of the Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde, Sam Robinson of the Chinook Indian Nation, Jefferson Greene of the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, and Tsali Cross and Jacelyn Lowley of the Portland All Nations Canoe Family. Tsali Cross is Cherokee and Caddo and Jacelyn Lowley is Couer d'Alene and Colville. Together, they all talk about their connection to the river, to canoes, and the importance of keeping Indigenous cultures alive today.

Next Episode

My Name is LaMoosh

A new children’s book by Warm Springs Elder Linda Meanus is hitting shelves this June, entitled My Name is LaMoosh. Linda grew up with her grandma Flora Thompson and grandpa Chief Tommy Thompson near Celilo Falls, a mighty fishery on the Columbia flooded in 1957 by the construction of The Dalles Dam. Linda persevered through this historic trauma and life’s challenges to teach young people about the Indigenous ways of the Columbia River. Intended for young readers to learn more about Native American history through a first-hand account, the book also reminds them that Indigenous people maintain a cultural connection to the land and river that gave them their identity. In today’s episode, we talk to Linda as well as Dr. Katy Barber (PSU) who supported her in this project.