Hundreds turn out to Willamette River for Yakama Nation lamprey celebration

Several hundred people gathered along the Willamette River to celebrate the Pacific lamprey, a unique jawless fish often misunderstood but deeply respected by the Yakama Nation for its cultural significance. This event highlighted the fish's lifecycle, which involves years spent in the river basins before it travels to the sea and back. The celebration underscores the importance of preserving these species and their habitats, reflecting a growing awareness of ecological balance and indigenous traditions.