Support Ghosts of Celilo

Why Support Ghosts of Celilo?

Ghosts provides a rare opportunity for Native American youth to experience musical theatre arts by participating in a play — a rare opportunity in Native American communities. These children learn acting, singing, and dancing skills. Performing for a live audience builds confidence, self-esteem, and provides insight into what it takes to create art. These children have opportunities to meet new people, make friends, and work as a team to accomplish common goals. The Ghosts of Celilo also serves these children (and adults) who are in the audience. Ghosts tells a story about children that presents Northwest history, Columbia River Indian culture, and examines viewpoints surrounding natural resources. In addition, the play brings to light children's issues as they apply to diversity, racism, and self-esteem — subjects that are critical to the mission of Youth Resources, Inc.

Mel leading kids in a workshop

Melanie Kubik-Bondy teaches a song and dance to (l to r) Manny Totus, 11; Leon Totus, 9; Ronnie Sampson, 9; and Ian Sampson, 15. In the spring of 2007, a series of workshops were taught at the Tamastslikt Cultural Institute on the Umatilla Reservation.

Ghosts is supported through the generosity of donors and foundation grants.

The first grant for Ghosts was awarded in 1998 from the Regional Arts & Culture Council to present a reading at the Aladdin Theatre. It received tremendous acclaim, which led to identifying additional resources to expand this story into a full dramatic musical production. Since then, a creative team of Native American artists has worked to create the music for Ghosts. With the help of Youth Resources, Inc, Ghosts was able to raise money to support this effort.

How to Support Ghosts of Celilo

To make a tax-deductible contribution to Ghosts, or to find out what your contribution will be supporting, contact Marv Ross at marvross@rossproductions.com.

Or mail a check to:

Youth Resources, Inc.
ATTN: Cindy Campbell
44 N.E. Morris
Portland, OR 97212

The check should be made out to: Youth Resources, Inc. with "For The Ghosts of Celilo Project" written on the memo line of the check.

Donors and Contributors

  • Spirit Mountain Community Fund
  • The Bonneville Power Administration
  • The Kinsman Foundation
  • The Regional Arts & Culture Council
  • The Marie Lamfrom Charitable Foundation
  • The National Endowment for the Arts
  • Tamastslikt Cultural Institute
  • Wildhorse Resort and Casino
  • The Portland Center for the Performing Arts
  • George Morlan Plumbing
  • The Collins Foundation
  • The PGE Foundation
  • The Irwin Foundation
  • Smith Barney
  • The Campbell Group
  • The Roundhouse Fund
  • The Dorothea M. Lensch Memorial Foundation
  • The King-Guffey Foundation