Since time immemorial, Willamette Falls, or Tumwater, has been an important fishing site for the Clowewalla, also known as the Willamette Tumwater, and Clackamas Chinook peoples. They controlled access to the falls through inter-tribal relationships and trade. Before the annual fishing began, the Tribes held a salmon ceremony to welcome the return of the yearly fish runs. The first fish was caught and distributed to members of the village, and its bones were returned to the river to ensure the continued return of the salmon. Salmon were caught in a variety of ways, including with dip nets from wooden platforms and by anchoring canoes above the falls. The fish were often smoke-dried and stored for winter food and were also an important trade item. Lamprey, or eel, which ascends the falls in great numbers each year, was another important food. Sturgeon were also fished for and caught in the river. Today, the Clowewalla and Clackamas Chinook are part of the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde under the Treaty with the Kalapuya, Etc., 1855, also known as the Willamette Valley Treaty. The Grand Ronde people continue to honor the salmon, steelhead, eel, and other traditional food resources that come from the Willamette River.