Indigenous-Led Vision
Bringing the Salmon Home: The Columbia River Salmon Reintroduction Initiative is an Indigenous-led collaboration of the Syilx Okanagan Nation, Ktunaxa Nation, Secwépemc Nation, Canada and British Columbia. Salmon have been blocked from returning to the Canadian portion of the upper Columbia River since Grand Coulee Dam foundations were put in place in 1939. The long-term vision is to return salmon stocks for Indigenous food, social and ceremonial needs, and to benefit the region’s residents and ecosystems as a whole. Learn more about this Initiative…
Indigenous Rights and Responsibility
Reintroducing salmon concerns Indigenous rights and responsibility. This Initiative is located in unceded Indigenous territories. Life-altering losses caused by the dams that block salmon passage have been felt foremost by the Indigenous Nations, who were excluded from Columbia River Treaty decision-making at the outset. The three Indigenous Nations uphold their sacred responsibility to reintroduce the salmon, continuing to work with their US Tribal relations and other stakeholders and allies along the river. Meet our five partner governments…
Columbia River ceremony: salmon and water are sacred. Photo: Ruby Alexis
Finding Solutions Together
Bringing the Salmon Home: The Columbia River Salmon Reintroduction Initiative offers new beginnings while acknowledging the past. It prompts necessary reflection and action to support self-determination and decolonization. It proposes early steps towards understanding what reconciliation requires. Of working collaboratively through an Indigenous-centred process that includes all basin residents. Of finding solutions to complex challenges through traditional Indigenous knowledge and western science, cultural renewal and technological ingenuity. This is vital work that calls on the inspiration and commitment of present and future generations. Join us!…
Chinook in lower Columbia River tributaries, video footage by Russ Ricketts/ Sockeye and juvenile chinook in BC coastal rivers, video footage by Eiko Jones
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