Yakama Cascade Chief Johnny Jackson passes to Spirit World

Columbia Inter-Tribal Fish Commission mourns loss 

The Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission mourns the loss of our elder and Commissioner atway Johnny Jackson after his recent hospitalization due to COVID-19.

Jackson was Chief of the Cascade Band of the Yakama and represented the Yakama Nation at CRITFC with steadfast passion and determination. He spoke from his heart, particularly when it involved the River People who call the banks of the Columbia River home. His insights, experience, wisdom, and perspective were forged in the decades of his unrelenting stance to have promises fulfilled and to overcome the hardships endured by the River People as they struggled to retain their connection to salmon and their right to fish for them.

At the Commission’s intertribal table, Jackson’s voice offered a constant reminder of the deep traditions that connect the tribes to the land, water, and salmon and the raw wounds still felt from the loss of Celilo Falls—where he fished as a young man—and the hundreds of tribal homes, villages, and businesses displaced by dams. His dedication and tenacity has been and will continue to be an inspiration for his people, his fellow commissioners, and the CRITFC staff.

CRITFC’s Executive Director, Jaime A. Pinkham, stated “It is difficult to imagine the Columbia River without Johnny Jackson living by its side. I will miss his friendship and humor, yet he left us valuable lessons often delivered in his trademark candor that we must never forget and we must never give up.”

Family remembers Chief Johnny Jackson Sto-Khin 

Cascade Chief has been a great leader and voice of the River People. We will all miss him. It isn’t possible to do a traditional burial social distancing and all. Covid 19 has claimed another life yes. Uncle lived a long life. He had so much to do yet he said in one of our last visits.

He would ask for a song! I sang a Fawn Wood song he loved it. I Pray to the Lord, it comforted him. So honored to have gotten those very special moments with him in his final days. A great fisherman he was. A Veteran, who served this Country. A leader with authority. To be honored and respected in this time. We say goodbye. Creator light up his way as he journey s to be with the ancestors.

Prayers for all those left behind to mourn his presence. Prayers for our village s all up and down the Columbia River,

Please be safe, social distance and please again wear a mask especially in the presence of our elders.
Our dear family member Chief Sto-Khin Johnny Jackson is gone to be the ancestors, makes his journey, we need your help for funeral expenses anything is appreciated.

He loved all walks of life defending those in need against tyranny, standing against injustice and inequality.

Pete is requesting help as his Father is been taken from Covid. He was an honorable Chief
thank you. Donate here.

Our condolences to the family and friends of Yakama Cascade Chief Johnny Jackson. We remember him as a leader and fisherman when he was among the first to arise and come to the Southwest when environmentalists gathered to organize as a voice for Native rights. May Chief Jackson have a sweet journey home. -- Brenda Norrell, Censored News