Covenant of the Salmon People

WINNER: 2023 FHFF BEST THINGS TO CONSIDER

The Nez Perce is the oldest documented civilization in North America, with archaeological sites along Idaho's Salmon River dating back 16,500 years. The basis of this civilization, and the cornerstone of their creation story, is an ancient covenant with salmon. It is woven into their culture, history, and their species restoration work. 

The tribe is facing the extinction of Chinook salmon, despite decades of recovery efforts, due to the widespread construction of dams across tribal lands. The dammed river system and climate changes threaten the salmon’s existence. Tribal members continue to honor their relationship, protecting the basis of their ancestral diet. Their only option to save the salmon from extinction is the breaching of four dams on the lower Snake River. Will the Federal Government take charge of the situation or sit idly by while this iconic species vanishes?