A new children’s book by Warm Springs Elder Linda Meanus is hitting shelves this June, entitled My Name is LaMoosh. In celebration of it, Linda will speak at the Oregon Historical Society, followed by mingling and a book signing.
When: June 20th, 6:30 pm, doors open at 6.
Speakers: Linda Meanus, moderated by Dr. Katy Barber.
Linda grew up with her grandma Flora Thompson and grandpa Chief Tommy Thompson near Celilo Falls, a mighty fishery on the Columbia flooded in 1957 by the construction of The Dalles Dam. Linda persevered through this historic trauma and life’s challenges to teach young people about the Indigenous ways of the Columbia River. Intended for young readers to learn more about Native American history through a first-hand account, the book also reminds them that Indigenous people maintain a cultural connection to the land and river that gave them their identity.
My Name is LaMoosh includes fact boxes that provide historical, cultural, and environmental context for Linda’s personal story. Hundreds of books exist about Lewis and Clark and their journey of “discovery.” This book balances our understanding of American history with the long-neglected voices of Indigenous people. Linda’s story is not just about historic trauma but also about resilience, perseverance, and reciprocity.
Linda Meanus states, “It was an honor to do this book. People don’t know our history, and I thought it was time to share an original story from the river, from a real historical site.” The book honors the teachings of her grandmother, Flora Thompson, a longtime advocate for fishing rights and Celilo Falls.
The book was done in collaboration with Confluence, OSU Press, and Dr. Katy Barber. Thank you to Meyer Memorial Trust for providing funding for this project.
Copies will be sold at the Oregon Historical Society gift shop. You can also buy copies through the Confluence Shop, though they won’t be shipped in time.
Light refreshments will be served.