Restoring Relationships: Human Dimensions and Climate Resilience Considerations for Managing Pacific Lamprey in the Columbia River

Abstract

AbstractAcross the United States, including the Pacific Northwest, Native American communities are demonstrating extraordinary ways of transforming environmental racism and cultural genocide into environmental justice and cultural revitalization. The Columbia River Plateau people choose to live in accordance with Nami Tamanwit or Creators Law. Water, Wild native fishes, Wild game, Wild roots that are dug from the ground, and Wild berries, are gathered seasonally and cared for as medicine to the body, heart and spirit since time immemorial. The traditional food system of the Yakama Nation symbolizes complementary environmental and social health. Columbia River Indigenous Traditional Ecological Knowledge (ITEK) is interdisciplinary with equally great respect and care for each of these cultural keystones. “Sustainability” of wild anadromous fishes today is an inadequate objective, restorative thinking via an Indigenous Knowledge framework can bring together culturally significant Yakama stories with actionable science. This thesis considers human dimensions of Pacific Lamprey (Asum in Sahaptin) management in the Columbia River Basin based on generations of social-ecological reciprocity with this species. Asum is a traditional dietary staple that is harvested, cured, prepared and shared in traditional ceremonies of the Yakama, Warm Springs, Umatilla and Nez Perce tribes. Biocultural sovereignty is significant in restoration of an ancient social relationship with Asum. Drawing on eighteen interviews with respected tribal Elders raised along the Columbia River in the time of Celilo Falls, this collaborative project is designed to share ITEK with future generations. Testimony from Elder interviews begins at the intersection of the Pacific Ocean with the Columbia river, and extends to Bonneville Dam and up through the confluence of the Yakima and Snake River tributaries.