Nature Journalism - Abstract (Colville Tribes)

The Chinook Salmon of the Columbia River

For my reported article, I would like to look into the rapid decrease in the Chinook salmon population of the Columbia River (due to the recent construction of dams) and the collaboration of Native scientists as they explore more permanent solutions to the problem. While there are many areas in the Pacific Northwest in which salmon populations have been struggling, their presence in the Columbia River is also indicative of the complex history between Native tribes in the area (such as the Chinook, Salish, and Yakima nations) and the river they live along. I have a personal connection to this environmental issue because having grown up in Washington state, I spent a lot of my time near and on the rivers, lakes, and oceans and have learned a bit about the aquatic lifeforms that call these places home. Much of my education was based around the history of the state and the bodies of water that have supported its infrastructure and agriculture by providing natural forms of transportation and food production. Until now, I did not know that the dams that can be found along the Columbia River have stopped the Chinook salmon run that takes place from March to October, reducing their populations. Without the high numbers of Chinook salmon, native fisherman and their economies are also suffering.

Through this investigation, I hope to learn more about the place I grew up and how I (as well as anyone who reads my article) can assist in keeping the Columbia River as healthy as possible for the chinook salmon and populations that rely on them. Due to its interdisciplinary nature, I will be looking for sources that are both knowledgeable about the scientific data collected from the Columbia River salmon runs as well as the historical connection they have to the indigenous populations who have been reliant on them to sustain their lifestyle. One of the sources I have found so far is a writer and educator Lynne Varner who serves on the board of Cascade Public Media in Seattle, Washington. It is a nonprofit and publicly supported media organization that owns the online newspaper, Crosscut.com. Crosscut.com specializes in news about the environment, politics, and culture of Seattle and its surrounding cities. I discovered the environmental issue about chinook salmon in the Columbia River through an article on their website titled “Past the Damn, Tribes Help the Columbia River Roll on.” It includes a Crosscut Escapes podcast posted on February 2nd, 2021, hosted by Ted Alvarez that describes the history of settlers on the Columbia River, the indigenous people that live beside it, and the struggling populations of chinook salmon within it.

I am planning on reaching out to Lynne Varner and Ted Alvarez over email asking for additional sources. I will also be contacting the Colville Tribe Fish and Wildlife Department (as featured in the podcast) for further information. Even after spending 18 years of my life living in Seattle, I’ve heard very little about the impact of damns on chinook salmon in the Columbia River. My goal in conducting this investigation is to encourage the conservation of Chinook salmon in the river as well as call attention to the effects of dams on the Columbia River.