Elevating Awareness of Native Salmon Culture and Policy

For tribes in the Plateau region such as the Nez Perce, Yakama, Umatilla, and Warm Springs tribes, ect., the four Lower Snake River Dams represent the loss of ancestral lands, the disruption of sacred traditions, and the erosion of cultural identity. With the flooding of vast areas of traditional Indigenous territories, including crucial fishing grounds, the dams severed a vital link between these communities and their heritage.

One of the most devastating consequences has been the loss of traditional foods, particularly salmon. For generations, salmon not only provided sustenance but also formed the cornerstone of spiritual and ceremonial practices. The annual salmon runs served as a bond connecting Tribal communities to their ancestors and Creator. With the dams disrupting migration patterns and declining salmon populations, this connection has been severed, leaving a void in the spiritual practices of these communities.

The ramifications extend far beyond cultural loss. Tribal communities slowly started to rely on processed foods due to the decline of traditional diets, this has contributed to higher rates of chronic health issues among Tribal communities. Diabetes, obesity, and heart disease in these communities are at rates significantly higher than the national average. The loss of access to nutritious, culturally significant foods has left a detrimental mark on the physical well-being of Tribal citizens, exacerbating existing health disparities.

As we reflect on the legacy of the four Lower Snake River Dams, it's imperative to confront the ongoing toll they exact on Tribal communities. Moving forward, it is imperative to acknowledge and address these injustices, working collaboratively with Indigenous peoples to restore both the ecological balance and the social fabric that have been disrupted by these dams. Only through meaningful engagement and restitution can we begin to heal the wounds inflicted upon Tribal communities.

Fragiacomo, Jazzmin. “Why Give a Dam about the Snake River.” School of Marine and Environmental Affairs, n.d. https://smea.uw.edu/currents/why-give-a-dam-about-the-snake-river/. 

“Youth Salmon Protectors.” Youth Salmon Protectors – Idaho Conservation League, n.d. https://www.idahoconservation.org/youth-salmon-protectors/.