Statement of American Rivers in response to Yakama and Lummi Nations’ call on Indigenous Peoples Day to remove Three Columbia River dams

October 14, 2019

Contact: Amy Kober, 503-708-1145 akober@americanrivers.org

“As we observe Indigenous Peoples Day, this is a moment for the conservation community and all of us who use and benefit from rivers to listen. This day is a reminder that we have a lot to learn from indigenous people on the Columbia River and on rivers nationwide. The Yakama Nation and Lummi Nation leaders in the Pacific Northwest are calling on us to think at a truly meaningful scale, about the importance of healthy rivers to our communities, our environment and our future. American Rivers is committed to learning from indigenous leaders and their communities. We believe honest dialogue about all the values rivers provide is needed. We seek to reach for a future where rivers, salmon and people can thrive together. We have a lot of work to do. We are listening.”