Why are salmon important to the Yurok people?

Salmon are sacred to the Yurok people, representing a foundation of their life, culture, and law, and are considered kin.

What efforts are the Okanagan Nation Alliance making for salmon?

The Okanagan Nation Alliance operates an Indigenous-led hatchery to re-seed rivers and restore salmon populations and their cultural significance.

When were the last dams removed on the Klamath River?

The final hydroelectric dam on the Klamath River was breached in 2024, allowing salmon passage after a century of obstruction.

Home / Environment / Salmon's Sacred Return: Dams Fall, Rivers Revive

Salmon's Sacred Return: Dams Fall, Rivers Revive

3 Jan

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Summary

Indigenous nations led decades-long fight for dam removal.
Salmon returns to Klamath and Okanagan Rivers after 100 years.
Dam removal revitalizes ecosystems and Indigenous cultural ties.

Salmon's Sacred Return: Dams Fall, Rivers Revive

The Klamath and Okanagan Rivers are witnessing a remarkable resurgence of salmon populations, a testament to Indigenous leadership and perseverance. For the Yurok people on the Klamath River, the removal of four hydroelectric dams, completed in 2024, ended a century of ecological devastation. This landmark achievement, following decades of legal battles and advocacy, has seen salmon return to their historic spawning grounds, signifying a profound cultural and spiritual restoration.

Similarly, the Syilx Okanagan Nation in Canada has spearheaded efforts to bring salmon back to their ancestral lands. Faced with similar challenges of dam obstruction, habitat degradation, and near extinction, the Okanagan Nation Alliance now operates an Indigenous-led hatchery. This initiative is crucial for re-seeding the rivers and restoring the salmon's role as a vital "Food Chief" in their culture, fostering balance and reconnecting communities.