Culture

UCUT Culture Projects: Preserving Indigenous Traditions, Protecting Sacred Sites, and Revitalizing Tribal Languages in the Upper Columbia Basin

UCUT Cultural Preservation Projects: Honoring Tribal Traditions, Sacred Lands, and Indigenous Knowledge in the Upper Columbia Basin

Cultural preservation is at the heart of UCUT’s mission. Through collaborative projects and community engagement, we protect sacred sites, revitalize Indigenous languages, and strengthen intergenerational connections. These efforts ensure that the traditions, stories, and values of our Member Tribes endure for generations to come.

Goals and Outcomes

Protect and restore culturally significant landscapes and historical landmarks
Support Indigenous language revitalization and cultural education
Engage youth and elders through storytelling, art, and traditional practices
Honor sacred sites and cultural protocols in all UCUT projects
Promote awareness of Indigenous history and contributions across the region

View our Culture Projects

Phase 2 Implementation Plan (P2IP): Testing Feasibility of Reintroduced Salmon in the Upper Columbia River Basin

The Phase 2 Implementation Plan “P2IP”: A stepwise and scientifically adaptive approach to test the feasibility of restoring salmon to the Upper Columbia River basin that is focused on collaboration, cost effectiveness, and benefits for the entire region.

Salmon Reintroduction Upstream of Chief Joseph and Grand Coulee Dams

The Upper Columbia United Tribes have been working on reintroducing salmon into the blocked areas of the Upper Columbia River Basin, upstream of Chief Joseph, Grand Coulee, and Spokane River dams. This video highlights progress made to date, and the importance of returning salmon to the people and watersheds of the Upper Columbia region. https://youtu.be/fZH_IIGDZ_Y

Fish Passage and Reintroduction Phase 1 Report

Investigations Upstream of Chief Joseph and Grand Coulee Dams In May 2019, the UCUT completed Phase 1 of our phased approach to Fish Passage and Reintroduction into the U.S. and Canadian Upper Columbia Basin. The Phase I Report confirms the reintroduction of salmon to the U.S. portion of the upper Columbia River upstream of Chief Joseph Dam is likely to achieve identified tribal goals …

Frequently Asked Questions – Salmon Reintroduction Upstream of Chief Joseph and Grand Coulee Dams

Why do the tribes want to bring salmon back above Grand Coulee Dam? Answer: Since time immemorial, indigenous people in the Columbia basin sustained a way of life dependent on a healthy ecosystem. Salmon were, and continue to be, critical to the ecosystem and the physical and spiritual health of Northwest Indian tribes. Eighty years ago, Grand Coulee Dam cut off salmon from thousands …

Columbia River Treaty

Negotiations have started that will determine the future of our region: the negotiations of the Columbia River Treaty. The Columbia River Treaty was originally ratified between the U.S. and Canada in 1964 to reduce the risk of floods in downstream cities like Portland, Oregon, and to develop hydropower capacity. Tribes and First Nations are advocating a third major criteria be included in …

United by Water

UCUT is proud to present our new film, United By Water, that documents the inspiring journey of local tribal communities to Kettle Falls, the fishing site of their ancestors, for the first time in 80 years. Narrated by Sherman Alexie, it is a film about reconnecting with tribal traditions and with the river that once was so integral to their way of life. More about the Film United …

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Explore More of Our Work

Want to see what else we’re doing across the Upper Columbia region? Browse all of our ongoing and completed projects.

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Meet the Tribes Behind the Work

Our projects are made possible by the leadership and collaboration of five sovereign tribal nations. Learn more about the Member Tribes that make up UCUT and their connection to this land.

Discover The Tribes

Have a Question or Want to Learn More?

We’re here to connect. Reach out to our team for more information about this project or to explore ways to get involved.

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