We Are Salmon Nations
For thousands of years, the UCUT were salmon nations and managers of salmon resources, and we still are today. Despite the blockage and extirpation of all salmon and steelhead runs throughout the Upper Columbia River system due to hydropower dam construction and agricultural irrigation projects, the UCUT are still engaged in harvesting and sharing of fisheries’ resources today.
Salmon Harvest and Sharing
In 2010, the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation (CTCR) began a comprehensive salmon harvest, sharing, and distribution program for all of the UCUT. The CTCR operates a purse seine boat and other selective, sustainable techniques that are used to harvest tribally-allocated salmon from the Columbia River near Omak, Washington.
In collaboration with BPA, the live capture project seeks to recover wild runs of salmon. Wild-origin fish are released, and the hatchery fish are harvested for tribal members.
As a result, tribal members and staff at all five Member Tribes have the opportunity to learn both modern and traditional fishing techniques. Selective harvest also provides opportunities for individual tribal members who can’t fish for themselves. Tribes above Grand Coulee Dam who don’t have access to fish can partake of the harvest.
The goal is to provide a larger yield of salmon for future generations—for the benefit of everyone.
