Projects

UCUT Projects: Tribal-Led Environmental Restoration, Fish & Wildlife Conservation, and Cultural Preservation in the Upper Columbia Basin

Advancing Tribal Sovereignty and Environmental Stewardship in the Upper Columbia River Basin

At the Upper Columbia United Tribes (UCUT), we are dedicated to protecting and enhancing the natural and cultural resources of the Upper Columbia River Basin. Through collaborative efforts among our five Member Tribes, we implement science-based projects that promote fish and wildlife conservation, habitat restoration, cultural preservation, and climate resilience.

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 …

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 …

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 …

Kalispel Tribe of Indians – Northern Pike Suppression

Northern Pike are incredibly close to invading the portion of the Columbia River that still contains salmon and steelhead. Pike eat a lot of fish and this will be catastrophic to salmon and steelhead populations in the Columbia River system. The Kalispel Tribe and …

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 …

The Value of Natural Capital in the Columbia River Basin

The Columbia River Basin is an abundant watershed, supporting immense forests, the largest salmon runs in the world, and diverse and abundant wildlife. These natural resources benefit our region with sustainable food, jobs, recreation, clean water, and a healthier environment, among many others. Yet, these natural resources have been seriously degraded by dams and other developments in the basin. When assets, whether built or natural, are not managed sustainably, economic loss occurs.

Answering the Call: UCUT Canoes Arrive at Standing Rock

Several canoe families from the Upper Columbia United Tribes visited Standing Rock to show their support for protecting the water. The hope is that this story inspires people to protect waters both locally and globally. https://youtu.be/-Rtey62eyJk

Climate Change Workshop

In October 2016, UCUT was proud to host a climate change workshop, giving voice to 12 distinguished presenters who gave their views on different aspects of climate change and its upcoming impacts to our land, wildlife, fish and water, as well as the roles of …

Coeur d’Alene Tribe Forest Carnivore Survey

Through millennia, the Coeur d’Alene Tribe survived using what nature provided. The tribe realized they are part of one life on earth with animals, birds, fish and plants. In the recent past, resources have declined or been lost from the tribe’s ancestral lands. …

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Fish

Resident and anadromous fish were once abundant throughout the region. They provided spiritual, nutritional and cultural needs and served as a critical component to a healthy ecosystem. We work to reintroduce these native species back into the Upper Columbia River Basin.

Wildlife

We aim to restore wildlife habitat on tribal lands through the rehabilitation, protection and maintenance of crucial wildlife corridors and ways of life.

Environment

UCUT protects the environmental health of the Upper Columbia Basin through science-based action and tribal collaboration—addressing climate change, forest health, and ecosystem resilience.

Habitat

Our territories feature unique and stunning landscape including forested mountains, grass-covered hills, and rivers and watersheds. We work to restore habitat on tribal lands.

Culture

We promote culture by sharing our knowledge, preserving our sacred practices and protecting the traditional lands of our ancestors.

Education & Outreach

UCUT fosters awareness and understanding through educational programs, public outreach, and community engagement—building strong connections to the land, culture, and science that guide our work.

Have Questions or Want to Get Involved?

Whether you’re a partner organization, community member, or simply passionate about protecting the Upper Columbia River Basin, we’d love to hear from you. Reach out to learn more about our projects, share ideas, or explore opportunities to collaborate.

Contact UCUT