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.

Protecting Lake Coeur d’Alene

Since time immemorial, the Coeur d’Alene Tribe lived on the water, but they were forced onto a reservation. As mining took off in Silver Valley, land was taken from their reservation and the tribe was forcefully removed from the shores of the waters. The tribe …

UCUT Video Gallery

A YEAR TO REMEMBER 2022 was a monumental year for UCUT. After years of planning and effort, visions have become realities. This video highlights those projects and success stories and provides insight into the ongoing efforts of the 5 member tribes to restore …

Canoe Journey and Gathering at Kettle Falls

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…”

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

The U.S. Columbia Basin Tribes, which includes UCUT, and Canadian First Nations of the Columbia River Basin have produced a paper that provides a much-needed proposal for restoring fish passage and reintroducing anadromous fish as an essential element in …

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

When the Grand Coulee Dam and later the Chief Joseph Dam were built on the Columbia River, they blocked salmon from thousands of miles of Upper Columbia Basin habitat. This action decimated salmon populations for several generations. In October 2014, the …

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

UCUT and other Tribes and First Nations are pleased to release Treaty Talks, a video intended to start public discussion about the feasibility of fish passage above Grand Coulee Dam. The video follows the salmons’ ancestral journey up the Columbia …

Columbia River Listed among Most Endangered Rivers of 2015

American Rivers named the Columbia River among America’s Most Endangered Rivers® of 2015. American Rivers is a nonprofit conservation organization dedicated to protecting and restoring America’s rivers. Currently, the Columbia River Treaty between the U.S. and …

20 Year Report

Over the past 20 years, the UCUT have developed and implemented hundreds of projects on issues of common concern: to protect, preserve, and enhance Treaty and Executive Order tribal rights, sovereignty, culture, fish, water, wildlife, habitat and other interests …

United for the Benefit of All

To ensure a healthy future for the traditional territorial lands of our ancestors through a proactive and science-based approach to promoting Indian culture, fish, wildlife, and habitat, the UCUT provide one voice for our region. Together, the UCUT have worked …

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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