Summary:
The Salmon People Research is a three-pronged initiative focused on amplifying Indigenous knowledge and stories to support salmon restoration, river health, and the revitalization of Tribal lifeways impacted by salmon loss.
Description:
Coast Salish Tribes are deeply impacted culturally and economically by salmon loss. This bond between the people and salmon extends back thousands of years and we need to understand what happens if that bond is broken.
CSSP partnered with Northwest Indian College, Western Washington University, and University of Minnesota to develop a Salmon People Research Project to inform and impact government policies, as well as to develop academic curriculum about the Salmon People.
The project is a call for change and a plea to recognize the spirit of Indigenous knowledge that lies somewhere deep within us all. The research aspect of the Salmon People Project has several key benefits:
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Strengthen our unity as Salmon People - there is power in knowing that there are others who share your lifeway, your environment, the river.
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Powerful opportunities to instill our history and culture in young people.
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Develop an understanding of what needs to be done; share our view of gratitude and generosity; and provide an opportunity for spiritual awakening.
People:
Janele Schuyler,
Darrell Hillaire,
Philip Williams,
Te Maia Wiki,
Scott Schuyler,
Cliff Cultee,
Brook Thompson,
Kimy Peterson,
Santana Rabang,
Haley Rapada,
Isabella James,
WyKeklyaa CurleybearRelated Content:
Digital Heritage
Category
Wellness & Resilience
Summary
The video highlights the connection between the loss of traditions, like salmon fishing, and the rise of chemical dependency in Tribal communities, emphasizing the speaker's efforts to restore health and purpose through cultural and spiritual renewal.
Digital Heritage
Summary
Larry Kinley and Oren Lyons reflect on the importance of cultural grounding, interconnection, and foresight, reminding us that understanding where we come from is essential to shaping a responsible future.
Digital Heritage
Category
Native Sciences & Technology
Summary
Wayne Christian offers a powerful reflection on the life cycle of salmon, emphasizing their resilience, the mounting human-made obstacles they face, and their vital role in sustaining the entire ecosystem.
Digital Heritage
Category
Native Sciences & Technology
Summary
In this clip Mike McHenry, fish habitat manager and biologist with the Elwha Klallam Tribe, shares about his experience seeing ecosystems restore and estuaries form post dam removal. Estuaries are essential for the Salmon lifecycle.
Digital Heritage
Category
Cultural Roles, Ways of Life
Summary
In this video we learn more about the Salmon People values.