Grand Ronde Tribe Reveals New Name for Willamette Falls Site

September 6, 2022
Closeup aerial view of Willamette Falls.

In a move that further connects the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde with its ancestral homelands, the Tribe has chosen a new name for its 23-acre site near Willamette Falls in Oregon City. The name, tumwata village, includes the native name for the Falls, tumwata, and reflects the Tribe’s longstanding connection to the area. “As a name, tumwata village represents…

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Second round of demolition for Blue Heron site approved

April 4, 2022
Aerial view of Oregon City, Willamette Falls and the Willamette River.

On Monday, April 4, the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde started the next round of demolition on the former Blue Heron paper mill at Willamette Falls in Oregon City. The work, which comes about six months after the first round kicked off, was to include the demolition of four structures: a water filtration plant, millwright shop, auto shop and carpentry…

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Demolition Begins at tumwata/Willamette Falls

September 22, 2021
A view of Willamette Falls from the air.

Tribal leaders from the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde (CTGR) gathered on Tuesday, September 21 to commemorate the beginning of on-site demolition work at the former Blue Heron paper mill in Oregon City.  The private event marks the first time any large-scale demolition has occurred on the site since its closure and will continue in phases, in coordination with Oregon…

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Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde receives grant for Willamette Falls environmental restoration

May 11, 2021
Close up of Willamette falls with rapids and rocks in the foreground.

From the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency: The Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde, Baker Technical Institute, South Central Oregon Economic Development District and the City of Chiloquin have all been selected for funding under EPA’s Brownfields Assessment Grant and Multipurpose Grant programs. Funding will be awarded following submission of comprehensive work plans. In EPA’s Region 10 (Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington),…

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Tribe shares its vision for Willamette Falls site

March 24, 2021
Architect's drawing of the Willamette Falls redevelopment.

After acquiring the 23-acre Blue Heron site near Willamette Falls in 2019, the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde is now sharing its vision for the future of the culturally significant land. It is a vision that includes environmental and cultural restoration alongside thoughtful new development; a vision that will help restore public access, provide economic prosperity and return the Tribe…

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Grand Ronde Tribe Finalizes Willamette Falls Purchase

August 19, 2019
Two members of the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde beating drums in an outdoor ceremony.

The Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde became property owners at tumwata/Willamette Falls earlier today when it finalized its purchase of the Blue Heron Mill site from Washington developer George Heidgerken. The 23-acre Willamette Falls property is located within the Tribe’s ancestral homelands and holds significant historical and cultural importance for the Tribe. Once home to the Charcowah village of the…

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