My strength is from the fish; my blood is from the fish, from the roots and berries. The fish and game are the essence of my life. I was not brought from a foreign country and did not come here. I was put here by the Creator. —Chief Weninock, Yakama, 1915
Spirit of the Salmon
– Water, Culture, and Justice
in the Columbia Watershed
September 25-26, 2017
Organized in partnership with the tribes
of the Columbia River
- Learn about tribal culture and spirituality,
- see first-hand how climate change and pollution are affecting the Pacific Northwest’s largest watershed—the Columbia River Watershed, and tribal life-ways and treaties, and
- experience hopeful models for addressing environmental injustice.
Environmental Justice Immersion Day 1
Monday, September 25 begins at Menucha where we learn from tribal members about tribal sovereignty, treaties and how historic neglect and wrongs are being addressed. We then journey to Cascades Locks where we see tribal fishing platforms, view spawning salmon, and hear how tribal leaders have prevented the extinction of salmon runs. After a brief stop at the site of Oregon’s first oil train spill, we visit Celilo Village near the now silenced Celilo Falls. We cap the day with a salmon feast.
Environmental Justice Immersion Day 2
Tuesday, September 26 starts with dialogue and an interfaith panel on the “Doctrine of Discovery” focused on what repudiating this 15th-century justification for the subjugation of non-Christian people has meant for current day relationships with Native Americans. Next, we learn about hydropower at Bonneville Dam and then experience traditional dip-nets and fishing in Cascade locks. A prayer vigil or direct action will demonstrate solidarity with the Columbia River Tribes and their issues.
The culturally and spiritually rooted efforts of the Columbia River Tribes to protect runs of salmon is largely the reason the Columbia River still enjoys salmon runs. Environmental challenges to the river from pollution, development and climate change are becoming more severe. Over half of original salmon habitat is blocked by dams. However, the voices of the tribes are being heard, and are stronger than ever. Innovative partnerships to restore the river among tribes, local communities, farmers and ranchers, environmental groups and agencies are making a difference, and there is much to learn from these efforts in restoring our own watersheds.
Participate in this two-day tour for an excellent preparation for conversations that will take place at BLESSING THE WATERS OF LIFE: Justice and Healing for our Watersheds, September 26-29, 2017, also at Menucha.
Register HERE for this pre-conference tour.
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