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On June 17, 2016, the five Upper Columbia United Tribes journeyed in dugout canoes to Kettle Falls, our ancient fishing spot on the Columbia River. After traveling for days, we gathered together in the land of our ancestors for the first time in over 80 years.

“Salmon is a sacred resource to our tribes. It is inherent in our beliefs that we are stewards of the river and of salmon…”

A Cultural Reawakening

UCUT provided the old-growth cedar trees for the tribes to hand-carve into canoes, a process that helped awaken our culture and connect us to our sacred traditions. The journey on the river, though often difficult, was a chance to uplift, support and encourage one another—as our ancestors did on the journeys they made.

For many tribal members, this gathering has been a life-long dream. Hundreds of people—tribal and non-tribal alike—waited to welcome the paddlers. It was a chance for our tribes to unite as one family.

A Lost Heritage

The last time the tribes gathered together at Kettle Falls was for the “Ceremony of Tears” when Grand Coulee Dam was built. The dam flooded Kettle Falls and blocked salmon runs from the Upper Columbia.

A major goal of the event was to draw attention to our efforts to restore fish passage. We have been working with Canada’s First Nations to advocate for the reintroduction of salmon above the dam.

Calling the Salmon Home

Salmon is a sacred resource to our tribes. It is inherent in our beliefs that we are stewards of the river and of salmon—considered to be one of our First Foods. The loss of salmon caused by the dam harmed our culture and our people.

The morning of June 18, we held a salmon ceremony in the tradition of our ancestors. We prepared and shared salmon with all the people at the event, cleaning the bones and returning them to the river. The sacred ritual acknowledges the gift of salmon to our people and asks for its return.

We want to bring the salmon home.

Canoe Journey and Gathering at Kettle Falls

Canoes connected us to our Rivers of Life. In the spring of 2015, UCUT purchased old growth cedar logs, and our communities carved these logs into dugout canoes. On June 17, 2016, the five Upper Columbia tribes journeyed in these canoes to Kettle Falls, our ancient fishing spot on the Columbia River. After traveling for days, we gathered together in the land of our ancestors for the first time in over 80 years. This is our journey.


 


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Kalispel Tribe of Indians – Northern Pike Suppression

United by Water

The Value of Natural Capital in the Columbia River Basin

Answering the Call: UCUT Canoes Arrive at Standing Rock

Climate Change Workshop

Protecting Lake Coeur d’Alene

Coeur d’Alene Tribe Forest Carnivore Survey

UCUT Video Gallery

Canoe Journey and Gathering at Kettle Falls

Fish Reintroduction into the U.S. And Canadian Upper Columbia River

Upper Columbia River Basin Fish Passage and Reintroduction Project – Phase 1

Treaty Talks: A Journey up the Columbia River for People and Salmon

Columbia River Listed among Most Endangered Rivers of 2015

20 Year Report

United for the Benefit of All

Grand Coulee and the Forgotten Tribe

UCUT and Bonneville Power Administration Partnership

Tribal Salmon Management, Harvesting and Sharing

Forests and Fish Report

Drumheller Springs Natural Park

Pow Wow and Community Outreach