WEST LINN – Following a national search, the Willamette Falls Trust Board of Directors has selected former Oregon Gov. Kate Brown to lead the non-profit and the next phase of the Willamette Falls Inter-Tribal Public Access Project.
“Willamette Falls has been sacred for Pacific Northwest Tribes since time immemorial, providing food, spiritual nourishment and community gathering space. After conducting a nationwide search, we’re convinced we’ve found the right leader to continue our work to restore the Falls for all,” said Davis “Yellowash” Washines, Willamette Falls Trust Board Chair and Government Relations Liaison for the Yakama Nation.
Willamette Falls Trust has been working for public access to Willamette Falls since 2015. The non-profit organization is intentionally structured to restore the power and collaborative decision-making to all Tribes with a significant connection to this sacred place. The Board of Directors includes representatives of four tribes with extensive cultural, legal, and historical ties to the Falls: Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation, Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians, Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, and Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs. The Board holds seats for other federally recognized Tribes with interests at the Falls.
In June 2023, the Trust announced a Feasibility & Cooperation Agreement with Portland General Electric (PGE), enabling the Trust to assess the feasibility of a portion of PGE property on an island located on the west side of Willamette Falls, outside of federally regulated boundaries, for a potential future project.
Site studies so far indicate it may be feasible for the Trust to move forward on the next phase of the Willamette Falls Inter-Tribal Public Access Project. The project is envisioned to include public walkways, viewing structures, spaces for interpretation, cultural events, community programming and other public amenities, all informed by Indigenous-led design.
“Willamette Falls is the second largest waterfall by volume in North America and should be considered the eighth wonder of Oregon,” Brown said. “This is a project and effort that I am both excited and honored to be a part of.”
Kate Brown served as the 38th Governor of Oregon from 2015 to 2023. Her career in public service spans more than three decades and includes two terms as Oregon Secretary of State, three terms in the Oregon House and three terms in the Oregon Senate.
As a governor and legislator, Brown built coalitions to deliver results, including the historic 2017 transportation package and a 2022 Klamath Dam Removal agreement.
“Willamette Falls is an important part of our history because of its cultural and natural significance to so many Oregonians and Tribes,” said U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Oregon. “It is essential to have a robust leadership and I’m confident Governor Brown will make sure all parties are represented fairly. I’m committed to support this project any way I can.”
Maria Pope, President and CEO of Portland General Electric, welcomed the Board’s selection.
“I can think of nobody better to lead the Willamette Falls Trust than Governor Brown,” Pope said. “Her depth of expertise, stature and ability to bring people together for common outcomes will help all stakeholders as we constructively engage and collaborate on the future of this vital economic, social and cultural gathering place.”
Brown takes the place of Andrew Mason, who has directed the Trust’s work for more than six years. During Mason’s tenure, the Trust has ensured that all voices connected to the Falls have a meaningful role in decision-making, identified the ideal site for public viewing and access and secured millions of dollars in public and private funding. Mason will remain with the Trust for several months to ensure a smooth transition.
“This is the right time in the project to welcome new leadership,” Mason said. “The Trust benefits from having a talented team and a dedicated and diverse Board. I remain so excited about the history, present and future of the Falls.”
More information about Willamette Falls Trust and the Willamette Falls Inter-Tribal Public Access Project is available at willamettefallstrust.org
– Willamette Falls Trust Media Release
