In 2023, American Rivers designated the Snake as one of the most endangered rivers in the United States. This panel discussion will consider the connection between the Nez Perce and salmon and multifaceted efforts to breach dams and restore habitat. For the Nez Perce, salmon represents more than a choice for dinner; they are bound together in a reciprocal relationship that’s endured since time immemorial. Panelists will consider the role of salmon in Nez Perce culture and the collaboration between the Nez Perce Tribe and Washington State University, a land-grant University located on the Nez Perce Tribe’s ceded land.
The Nibi miinawaa Manoomin symposium represents a significant effort to bridge cultural and scientific communities for the benefit and preservation of natural resources, specifically focusing on water (nibi) and wild rice (manoomin), which hold profound cultural, spiritual, and ecological significance for the Anishinaabe Nations. This workshop aims to provide valuable insights into developing relationships that honor both perspectives on environmental justice. This approach acknowledges the deep connection Indigenous peoples have with the land and water, recognizing these relationships as vital to the sustainability of ecosystems and the cultural heritage of the communities involved.
