This year's festival also paid tribute to the anniversaries of several events that have played important roles in shaping the watershed as we know it today: the Medicine Creek Treaty of 1854; the Wilderness Act of 1964; and the Boldt decision, Endangered Species Act, and establishment of Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge in 1974. A commemorative ceremony featured the following keynote speakers: Regional Director, Dave Allen; County Commissioner Diane Oberquell; Congressman Norm Dicks; and representatives from the Nisqually Indian Tribe, Governor Gary Locke's office, and Congressman Adam Smith's office. This year's festival applauded the efforts over the last century and a half to establish and protect the rights of the people living in the watershed, and the watershed's resources.

Over 1200 visitors attended the festival and participated in a wide assortment of activities. Main stage events included presentations with live birds and reptiles, and performances by rhythmic drummers, traditional dancers, and spirited bagpipers. Several walks and tours were led by volunteers, including guided birding and river walks, a walk to view the Medicine Creek Treaty Tree, and a tour of the Nisqually Reach Nature Center. Children had the chance to explore the watershed from inside FIN (the giant Wild Olympic Salmon), be part of critter parades that ended in a storytelling adventure inside the Red Salmon tent, and see, feel, and learn about live aquatic organisms in touch tanks. The festival also featured a famous Nisqually Salmon Bake, a truly delicious way to celebrate the river's resources!