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FREE THE SNAKE

WE ARE SALMON PEOPLE

  • EARTH IS OUR MOTHER

    OUR ORIGINAL LAW and life ways were based on the sacredness of all things, reciprocity among and between Nimíipuu people and the more‑than‑human world - land, water, food and all of creation. Life is a web of relationships sustained through balance and respect. Humans are not above the natural world but part of it – all life is connected. We are bound by responsibilities as much as by kinship - the rivers carry the salmon, the salmon sustain the people and the people are responsible for protecting both.

  • AS LONG AS THE RIVERS RUN

    When the river is healthy, salmon return. When salmon return, the people are fed - physically, culturally and spiritually. Our well-being depends on the health of the river, the salmon and the lands that sustain them. When we respect the river and the salmon, we protect the future of the people. When these relationships are honored, life continues. When they are broken, all life - including human life - suffers.

MAKE A DIFFERENCE
A person sitting in a small, worn boat near a rocky shoreline, with water and a distant shoreline in the background.
A man wearing a yellow t-shirt with conservation message, standing outdoors against a backdrop of hills, water, and a dam.
Protesters on a bridge holding signs that read "Restore the salmon," "Save the orca," and "Remove LSR dams," while boats with people and flags pass underneath on the water.
A group of five diverse people standing outdoors near a river with rocky hills in the background. The group includes three women and two men, dressed in colorful clothing and accessories, some wearing hats and traditional attire, smiling and looking
People gathered outdoors in a rural setting, some wearing casual clothing and hats, with a prominent Native American headdress with large feathers in the foreground.
Woman with dark curly hair and face paint, wearing a red jacket, brown top, and layered necklaces, flexing her right arm near a river with mountains and trees in the background.
Group of people kayaking and paddleboarding on a waterfront with hilly landscape in the background.
Aerial view of numerous people on paddleboards and kayaks surrounding a large banner on the water that reads 'FREE THE SNAKE'.
A group of people working together outdoors around a long, narrow object, possibly involved in a project or activity, with a rural landscape in the background.
A young girl with shoulder-length hair and a slight smile, standing outdoors with two adults in the background.
A young girl with long hair in a ponytail, wearing a purple jacket and teal pants, is sitting in a canoe on a calm body of water. She is holding a paddle and appears to be looking to her right.
A young boy with a serious expression, wearing a black beanie with a logo, holding a circular sticker with a tree and the words "FREEDOM THE SNACKS."
A woman working outdoors at a table with various tools, surrounded by trees and parked vehicles, with cloudy skies overhead.
A large group of people gathered on a river for a kayaking event, with many boats and paddles on the water and others being prepared or launched from the shore, set against a backdrop of rolling hills and trees.
A woman dressed in traditional Native American clothing standing near a lake, holding a walking stick, with a painted bag, outside on a cloudy day.
A group of five people, including children, boating in a long, narrow wooden canoe on a calm river. Two children and three adults are on the boat, with one adult and a child in the water holding onto the boat. The other three are sitting or standing
Close-up of a weathered wooden bench with graffiti carvings, outdoors in natural light.
A young woman with long dark hair wearing a blue t-shirt and colorful shorts paddling a wooden canoe on a calm lake.
Two young women standing outdoors near a lake, holding a sign that reads 'Free the Snake, Save the Salmon.' One woman is wearing a red shirt and a yellow skirt, while the other is wearing a white T-shirt and blue jeans. Trees and hills are visible in
A young girl with long hair, dressed in a sports jersey, is outdoors and appears to be playing or handling a large log or piece of wood. The background is blurred, indicating a natural outdoor setting.
A diverse group of people standing outdoors in front of a large tree. They are participating in a rally or protest, with some holding signs and speaking into a microphone.
A person in a cap and jacket working inside a tent-like structure, bending over a plank with tools around, at night.
A group of four people, including two children, a man, and an older man with a beard, are in a wooden canoe on a body of water. The children and adults are wearing life jackets and holding paddles, and the water is calm with reflections of the sky an
Group of people collaboratively working on a woodworking project at a table, with one person wearing a shirt that says 'Traditional Indian Will Not Reform'.
A group of people gathered near kayaks and paddleboards on a sandy area, with cars parked behind them and a sports field with a dirt track in the background.
A young boy with short hair, wearing gloves and a backpack, is operating a chainsaw on a large wooden log outdoors. Trees and a cloudy sky are visible in the background.
Group of people, including children and adults, standing outdoors by a lake, raising fists in the air during daytime with mountains and trees in the background.
A group of five people, consisting of three young girls, one young man, and an older man, standing outdoors at dusk with trees and a fence in the background. They are smiling and casually dressed.
People kayaking on a lake with green trees and a grassy shoreline in the background. One kayak has a flag with the text 'MAINE TRIBE OF INDIANS'.
A smiling man with gray hair wearing a black t-shirt featuring a bull skull and the words 'Kalispel Tribe Department of Agriculture,' standing in front of a wooden fence with a painted bull skull, mountains, and cloudy sky in the background.
People in a wooden boat paddling on a river with a group of onlookers in kayaks in the background, surrounded by hills and rocky formations, with a person holding a red flag.
A young girl with glasses using a handsaw to cut a piece of wood outdoors. Two men are working nearby, possibly in a woodworking or carpentry project.
Four people paddling a wooden canoe on a river with rocky hills and sparse green trees in the background.
Two women arm wrestling, one holding a small hammer, in a rustic setting with wooden walls.
People paddling in traditional wooden boats on a river with a mountainous landscape in the background.
Group of children and adults working together at an outdoor table, focused on a project, under a shaded structure with trees and rooftops in the background.
People canoeing and kayaking on a river with hilly terrain and cloudy sky in the background.
A young girl with short hair wearing a t-shirt, necklace, and gloves, standing outdoors with trees in the background and a wooden structure in front of her.
People kayaking on a river with hilly, brown terrain and cloudy sky in the background.
A young girl with shoulder-length hair smiling, standing in front of a wooden wall with painted images of animals.
A person in an orange shirt and red headscarf paddling a wooden boat on a river with a rocky hillside and sparse vegetation in the background.
Black and white photo of two young girls, one standing and one sitting, with a dark background and wooden structure.
People gather outdoors around a wooden canoe on a flatbed trailer, with trees and hillside in the background. One person in a gray shirt and hat is reaching towards the canoe, while others and onlookers observe.
Three children standing outdoors, two boys and one girl, in front of a wooden structure with birdhouses hanging above, in black and white.
People standing outdoors near a carved wooden canoe with fish illustrations.
A young girl smiling while holding a wooden mallet, with other children and houses in the background, outdoors in a black and white photo.
Aerial view of numerous kayaks and paddleboats on water, forming a protest with an orange banner reading 'FREE THE TRUTH'.
Black and white photo of a girl smiling, wearing a chain necklace and a graphic t-shirt, with people in the background.
Group of diverse people gathered outdoors in a rural area with hills in the background, wearing casual and colorful clothing, some with hats and sunglasses.
A young man with dark hair, wearing a hoodie, smiling slightly, holding a skate in his hands, standing indoors with other people in the background.
A group of five diverse friends standing together outdoors by the water, smiling and posing for a picture during daytime. They are dressed in casual, outdoor clothing with gear for kayaking or paddleboarding, including life jackets, hats, and sunglas
A young person with long hair wearing a Nike hoodie and a cap, standing in a rustic outdoor setting, with other people in the background.
An aerial view of a protest on water with numerous kayaks and small boats surrounding a large banner that reads 'FREE THE SNAKE'. Many people are in the kayaks and boats, holding paddles and wearing life jackets.
Young man with crossed arms posing outdoors with several children and birdhouses hanging on a clothesline behind him.
Person in an orange shirt and pink headband paddling a small wooden boat on a river, with green trees along the riverbank and rugged, dry hills in the background.
A man with a beard and mustache wearing a baseball cap, standing indoors next to a line of small birdhouses hanging from a string.
A person in a boat on a river with mountains and a cloudy sky in the background.
A young girl with braided hair and a T-shirt featuring a graphic, holding a wooden mallet, likely engaging in an outdoor activity or event.
People wearing casual clothing and hats standing on a rocky riverbank, holding fishing rods and preparing to fish in a river with a mountainous landscape and cloudy sky in the background.
Black and white photo of a young girl with long braided hair, smiling slightly, sitting behind a wooden surface outdoors with trees in the background.
A group of people holding signs on a riverbank protesting against salmon extinction and the construction of Snake River dams.
A young girl holding a wooden paddle, surrounded by other children and adults, in a covered outdoor setting, possibly a woodworking or craft project.
People participating in a race or event involving rafts or boats on a river, with spectators watching from the shore and hills in the background.
Black-and-white photo of a person with shoulder-length, layered hair standing against a dark background. They are wearing a T-shirt with the words 'LINKIN PARK' partially visible.
A protest on the water with many small boats surrounding a large banner that says 'FREE THE SNAKE'.
A young woman with long hair, dark clothing, and a metal necklace featuring a cross design, sitting in front of a wooden background at night.
Group of people paddling kayaks and canoes around a floating platform in a river, with a green park and trees on the riverbank in the background.
Black and white photograph of a young woman with long hair, wearing a hoodie with Nike logo, standing outdoors in front of a wooden fence.
Aerial view of a large protest on water with numerous kayaks and small boats surrounding a floating sign that reads 'FREE THE SNAKE'.
Black and white portrait of a woman with dark hair, wearing a hoodie, standing outdoors in front of a wooden fence.
People participating in a dragon boat race on a river, with some standing on the shore holding a yellow banner.
Two children in life jackets sitting in a wooden boat on a calm body of water, holding paddles.
Four people standing near a river with rocky banks, surrounded by tall hills with brown and green vegetation under a cloudy sky.
A woman and a young boy are taking a selfie together inside a room decorated with hanging birdhouses and letters.
People kayaking and paddleboarding on a wide river surrounded by green trees and rolling hills under a cloudy sky.
Black and white photo of three people, two children and an older woman, smiling and embracing outside under a wooden structure with birdhouses hanging overhead.
Boats and people rowing on a large body of water with trees on the shore and hills in the background.
A group of children and an adult woman outdoors, with birdhouses hanging above them, in black and white.
Group of people kayaking and paddleboarding on a lake.
A black and white photo of a young girl with curly hair smiling at the camera, wearing a hoodie, with other children in the background, possibly indoors.
Group of people in kayaks and canoes paddling on a body of water with a large orange banner floating among them.
A young girl with long dark hair and a mischievous expression, standing in a group of children, in front of a shelf filled with books, in a possibly outdoor or semi-outdoor setting.
Painted fish drawings hanging outdoors on a string, with trees and blurred children in the background.
A young boy standing outdoors under a wooden shelter with birdhouses hanging above, people in the background, in black and white.
A young person in a hoodie and gloves using a hammer to drive a nail into a wooden surface outdoors, with trees and a shed visible in the background.
People gathered in a parade with a float featuring a giant eagle head and a person dressed as an eagle. A sign with red letters reads 'Black Lives Matter.'
A young girl wearing work gloves is holding a hammer and a chisel while working on a wooden project against a black background.
People boarding boats on a river, some are in or near the water, with others on boats sailing nearby, under a rocky cliff, on a sunny day.
A girl with glasses smiling at the camera outdoors at a gathering with people and birdhouses hanging above, in black and white.
People in traditional canoes on a river during the daytime, with a background of rolling hills and partly cloudy sky.
Group of people gathered outdoors around tables under a wooden canopy, with trees in the background. Some individuals are talking, and there are various items on the tables, indicating a social event or gathering.
People kayaking on a river during daytime with a man standing in a kayak in the foreground and a banner in the background.
A group of people sitting and standing outdoors in a park-like setting, listening to a person speaking at a small gathering with trees and a shed in the background in black and white.
People gather at a lakeside dock as a Native American man in traditional dress play a large drum, with canoes and kayaks on the water and a hillside in the background.
A crowd of people gathered outdoors, facing a makeshift stage with a roof, where three men are standing, one speaking. The audience is diverse, dressed casually, with some wearing camouflage. There are trees and residential houses in the background.
Group of people standing on shoreline holding colorful fish-shaped paddles and green kayaks in the background with cloudy sky and hillside in the distance.
Several people are in small traditional wooden boats on calm water with a mountainous landscape in the background.
Numerous people kayaking and paddleboarding on a large body of water, with some trees visible along the shoreline.
Four women paddling a wooden canoe on a calm river surrounded by green trees.
A group of five people, including two children, paddling a wooden canoe on a body of water. They are wearing life jackets, and one person is holding a paddle. The scene appears to be outdoors on a calm day.
A group of people paddling canoes on a calm river with green trees and hills in the background.
People in a canoe on a calm river near a sandy shore with a row of houses and trees in the background, black and white photography.
Young boy wearing a black Batman t-shirt and a black NFL cap, holding a blue sticker that reads 'Save the Snakes, Save Wild Salmon!'
Smiling boy with short dark hair in the foreground, with others in the background, some with their backs to the camera, in a casual outdoor setting.
A woman and a young girl wearing traditional clothing participate in a cultural ceremony, with the woman assisting the girl in holding a branch of greenery near a totem pole decorated with colorful designs and carvings.
A young boy with short hair, wearing a jacket and a t-shirt, is holding a long rectangular wooden board in an outdoor setting at dusk or nighttime. There are other children in the background, and some trees and structures are visible.
Aerial view of a large group of people in kayaks and boats on water with a banner that says 'FREE THE SNAKE'
A young girl with curly hair smiling and holding a piece of wood at an outdoor gathering during the evening or night, with other people and trees in the background.
Two young girls smiling while leaning on a large cut log outdoors, with a backdrop of bare ground and scattered logs.
People at a rally protesting to save wild salmon, with a large red sign reading 'SAVE WILD SALMON, BREACH THE DAMS, FREE THE ANCESTOR' in a wooded park.
Two young girls smiling, sitting outdoors, with a background of sticks and foliage. One girl has straight hair and is wearing a patterned jacket, the other has wavy hair and is wearing a striped shirt.
People fishing in a river with a makeshift bridge and equipment, possibly from the early 20th century.
A man with gray hair wearing a patterned shirt and a large necklace is speaking at a podium with a blue sign that reads "Free the Snake River."
Historical black-and-white photo of a large group of people sitting and standing on a rocky riverbank, with some crossing a makeshift wooden bridge over a fast-moving river.
People sailing on a lake with a large protest sign that reads "Breach the Dams" against a mountainous landscape.
A person fishing from a small boat, wearing a wide-brimmed hat and casual clothing.
A man wearing a white cowboy hat, glasses, and a tan shirt holds a microphone. He stands in front of a display that features a large painted snake and a sign about snake remediation. The display also includes a colorful mask and a poster showing the
A young boy smiling and holding a long piece of wood outdoors at dusk or nighttime, with trees and fence visible in the background.
An elderly woman with a zebra-patterned vest and colorful jewelry pointing to something, surrounded by young people near a body of water with hills and houses in the background.
A young girl with glasses smiling outdoors, holding a clipboard, with trees and a house in the background.
A young boy in a jacket and gloves uses a saw to cut a piece of wood at an outdoor workshop. There are several people in the background, some working with wood, in a setting with leafless trees and parked cars, indicating a cold season.
A man wearing a marine corps hat with patches on his denim jacket speaks into a microphone while standing outdoors. There is a blue canopy above him and lush green trees in the background.
A woman working outdoors at a wooden table, wearing a hoodie, with a log pile and trees in the background.
Group of people sitting in a dragon boat on a river with dry hills and trailers in the background.
A black-and-white photograph of a large open area with numerous small tents arranged in rows. There is a curved road in the foreground and some trees and buildings in the background, with rolling hills and open land extending into the distance.
A man with a colorful bandana paddles a wooden canoe on a calm river surrounded by trees with autumn foliage during daytime.
A boy working on a project outdoors at night, wearing a hoodie and gloves, focused on a wooden work surface with tools.
An older man wearing a black hoodie with a turtle design on the front stands outdoors in front of a banner that reads 'Nimíipuu Protecting the Environment'.
A young person wearing a winter jacket working on a woodworking project at an outdoor workbench at night with a bright light overhead.
People kayaking on a lake with a town and hills in the background.
A person is woodworking inside a large, curved wooden structure, using a hand tool to carve or shape the wood, with wood shavings and a skateboard visible inside.
Close-up of a carved wooden canoe with painted black stars on the side, resting on a black wheeled cart outdoors.
A young girl with long hair looking at a jar labeled "Canned Salmon" while standing indoors, with other kids sitting in the background.
An older woman with gray hair, wearing sunglasses and a black jacket, appears to be smiling and engaged in conversation with a person in a gray jacket. The scene seems to be outdoors, possibly on a boat or near water.
A young person wearing a hoodie and gloves working on a woodworking project outdoors with trees and a car in the background.
A person with long dark hair paddling a canoe on a calm river, with houses and green trees on a hillside in the background.
A young boy with glasses looks at his phone in a busy indoor setting.
A woman in traditional ethnic dress with a long yellow skirt and a pink top, standing on a rocky lakeside shoreline, looking down at her phone, with trees and hills in the background.
A dorsal view of a whale breaching the water surface, with part of its tail and fins visible, creating splashes in the water.
A woman with short hair, wearing sunglasses, a blue hat with colorful designs, a necklace with a pendant, and a floral shawl over a blue top, standing outdoors near a river with hills in the background.
Black and white underwater photograph of several large fish swimming, with one fish swimming towards the right and the others around it.
A woman with short brown hair wearing a colorful, patterned shirt is outdoors, possibly near a park or nature area, with trees and parked cars in the background. She appears to be adjusting or working on a red boat or kayak.
An elderly woman dressed in traditional clothing, wearing a decorative hat and a necklace made of beads. She is looking down at a bowl or dish she is holding, with steam rising from it. In the background, there are children and adults outdoors, with
A group of people outdoors inspecting a boat, with some focused and others observing, surrounded by green trees.
A man wearing a sun hat and a backpack squats near the ground on a baseball field, possibly preparing to catch or where a ball has landed.
Two children, a girl and a boy, are holding signs with a red crossed-out snake and the words "SNAKE RIVER" and "SAVE THE SALMON. SAVE THE ORCA." in an outdoor setting with trees and overcast sky in the background.
A black and white photo of a group of people on a boat in a river, with a hilly landscape in the background.
Group of people working together on a large wooden boat outdoors with greenery and hills in the background.
Three people outdoors near water, with trees in the background. One person is a young girl holding a paddle, wearing a hat and rain jacket. An older man in a denim jacket, patterned bandana, and glasses is painting or drawing on a round canvas. A thi
People in a canoe on a body of water, with a guide standing on the shore.
Two people sitting on a large log outdoors with a tent shelter behind them, smiling.
Two smiling people in a wooden kayak on a river, with a forested shoreline in the background. One person wears a green bandana and holds a paddle, while the other has curly hair and a life jacket.
A man smiling and wearing a checkered shirt, standing in a workshop with a large wooden boat. He has his hand on the boat, which is under construction or restoration.
Two men speaking at a presentation, one holding a large fan-shaped object, in a room with a projector screen.
A woman wearing a colorful, decorated hat and glasses holds a microphone and appears to be speaking at an outdoor gathering. She is hugging a person in a white jacket. Other people stand nearby, and there is a sign that says 'BREAK NOW' behind her, w
A man speaking into a microphone, wearing a baseball cap with Marine and military patches, and a denim jacket, standing outdoors.
People kayaking on a river with a gravelly shoreline, green trees, and rolling hills in the background under a cloudy sky.
A person holding a protest sign that reads 'Beach Now' with smaller text underneath stating 'Save the Salmon', 'Save the Orca', and 'Lower Snake Dams'. The photo is in black and white.
People standing on a riverbank during a protest with banners that read "Stop Salmon Extinction" and "Breack Snake River Dams," with lush green trees in the background.
A man and a woman stand outdoors near a tree. The man is wearing a denim jacket and cap with Marine patches, looking down and holding a shovel. The woman, wearing a patterned headscarf and blouse, appears somber and is holding a large circular object
A person's hand touching the eye painted on a large wooden sculpture, with a blurred background of people and structures.
A group of five people outdoors near a body of water with hills in the background. An elderly woman in the foreground is wearing a patterned garment and a colorful hat, holding a pair of sunglasses. The others include a young woman with glasses, a pe
People gathered along a riverbank for a protest or demonstration against salmon extinction, with some individuals in traditional Indigenous attire, others taking photos or sitting in a kayak.
A group of protesters holding signs and banners, standing outdoors near a body of water with trees and a structure in the background. The signs call for stopping salmon extinction and freeing the Snake River.
A diverse group of people preparing for a river kayaking event near a lakeshore, with kayaks and scenic hills in the background.
A man with long gray hair and a mustache speaking into a megaphone outdoors.
A young woman wearing an orange jacket and a blue hat with a logo, holding a paddle, is looking at an older man with a patch on his denim jacket and a cap with military patches, while he holds a basket with hands inside it during an outdoor event by
Black and white photo of a middle-aged man standing on a porch, surrounded by various objects including sculptures, tools, and furniture. He is wearing a T-shirt with a graphic and text, and light-colored pants. The background shows a window and laye
A group of people paddling a canoe on a river or lake, with a woman with blonde hair, glasses, and a black jacket sitting in the front, surrounded by nature and other participants.
A group of people by a river, with kayaks on the shore and hills in the background. Some are standing, and others are preparing for kayaking.
A group of diverse people on a boat, some wearing life jackets and hats, with a woman waving, on a river with rocks and greenery in the background.
A group of people standing by a river, holding kayaks, with a hilly landscape in the background.
People paddling in a wooden boat on the water during a sunny day, with spectators on the grassy shore in the background.
A group of people, including children and adults, standing outdoors near a body of water with mountains in the background, participating in a gathering with some raising their fists or holding objects.
A group of people gather near a riverbank with kayaks and canoes. Some are standing, sitting, or in chairs, and several are wearing hats or sunglasses. A person holds a red flag with black, yellow, and white symbols. In the background, there are larg
A group of diverse people standing in a line outdoors, smiling and holding hands; some wearing glasses and casual clothing, with a sign in front that reads 'Lower Snake Dams, Peace'.
A group of people gather outdoors, with some dressed in colorful, traditional Indigenous attire, while a man in a red jacket labeled 'Veteran' shakes hands with a woman wearing a large, multicolored hat. Others watch, standing on a gravelly area with
A group of seven kids and two adults standing outside on a grassy field in a park, posing for a photo. The children are dressed in casual sportswear and hoodies, with some smiling at the camera and others looking serious. The background features tree
A woman dressed in traditional indigenous attire, wearing a colorful headscarf, earrings, and necklaces, speaks into a microphone outdoors surrounded by trees.
Three women standing outdoors in a park with trees in the background, smiling at the camera. The photo is in black and white.
People in a kayak on a calm body of water with houses and trees in the background, viewed from the shore.
People sitting outdoors in a green park, listening to a person speaking, with a table of food and supplies in the foreground.
A woman is working outdoors at a woodworking station, cutting wood with a saw, with trees and a house in the background.
A man in a canoe with a bandana on his head holds a paddle and looks to the side on a river, surrounded by trees and other boats in black-and-white.
Group of people gathered on a grassy shoreline near water, some raising hands, with kayaks and a yellow banner that reads 'Stop Salmon Extinction' in the background, surrounded by trees.
A young girl with wet hair wearing a life jacket paddling a wooden canoe on a calm body of water, with another person partially visible in the canoe.
Group of people in a boat on a river during a paddleboarding event, with trees and park buildings in the background.
A family of four paddling a wooden canoe on a calm lake, with the mother and daughter in the front and the father and son in the back, all wearing life jackets.
People paddling a wooden canoe or boat on a lake surrounded by trees, with a woman in a red jacket holding a paddle and smiling at the camera, a woman with gray hair and a blue and black life jacket facing away, and a man in a cap. A red flag with bl
Multiple people in a wooden canoe paddling on a calm river, surrounded by trees and hills.
Sign indicating Cerillo Treaty fishing access site, a U.S. government property managed by the Portland Area Office of the Bureau of Indian Affairs, with information about tribes that have treaty fishing rights.
A group of diverse people, including women and a man, paddling wooden canoes on a river surrounded by trees and natural scenery during the daytime.
A group of people gathered outdoors, with one man in a plaid shirt shaking hands with a woman in a white jacket, while others look on.
People gathered at a riverside protest with banners reading 'Stop Salmon Extinction' and 'Breach Snake River Dams'. Large trees and a playground sculpture are in the background.
A group of people participating in an outdoor event, standing in a line with their eyes closed, some holding objects, with a man in the foreground holding a circular chart or disc with handwritten notes.
People in a canoe or kayak on the water, holding paddles, with a shoreline and trees in the background. Some are wearing life jackets and hats.
A large carved wooden totem pole with a eagle face, set on a platform outdoors surrounded by trees, with a crowd of people watching.
People participating in a paddleboard and canoe event on a body of water, with various paddles and kayaks visible, and trees and a park in the background.
A black-and-white photo of a woman standing in front of a decorated float with children around her. The float features a large figure and an animal, possibly a goose, with tall trees in the background.
People kayaking on a river with a shoreline and hills in the background.
Group of diverse people standing with their hands raised, participating in a protest or rally, in an outdoor urban setting with trees.
People kayaking and paddleboarding on a large body of water with a hillside landscape in the background.
A black and white photograph of two people standing on a stage in front of a carved totem pole. They face an audience of children outdoors, surrounded by trees.
A river scene with numerous kayaks and boats on the water, surrounded by tall, rugged hills with sparse vegetation and a partly cloudy sky overhead.

FREE THE SNAKE RIVER

WE ARE SALMON PEOPLE

Before the dams, salmon were abundant. After the dams went in, salmon and many other fish declined sharply, water levels dropped and rivers warmed. These aging dams are costly to maintain, deliver shrinking benefits and burden taxpayers, while much of the power flows out of our region instead of serving local communities.

The health of our entire ecosystem and the future of Indigenous lifeways tied to these waters is at risk. You can see it in the riverbanks, where high-water marks sit far above today’s flows. Salmon and our people need cold, clean, moving water to live. If we accept that salmon are on the brink of extinction, then we must act now. Restoring free‑flowing rivers by removing these dams is urgent; waiting until tomorrow will be too late. 

Our duty as Nimíipuu is to speak for salmon. What happens to the salmon happens to us. Salmon and rivers are at the heart of our culture, traditions and survival; for thousands of years they have fed and sustained our people. When rivers are sick and salmon are struggling, our families and communities suffer - as they are suffering now.

POWER CHANGE

EVERY VOICE IS A CRACK IN THE DAMS!

This past September 12th, hundreds of people gathered on the Snake River to demand immediate action on the removal of the lower Snake River dams. The cultural survival of the Nimíipuu is bound to the health of this river. The 4 Lower Snake River dams violate the 1855 Treaty - federal promises made to the Nez Perce (Nimíipuu) people by driving salmon to extinction.

No salmon, no orcas. It’s that simple. The critically endangered Southern Resident orcas rely on Chinook salmon for up to 80% of their diet. By driving Snake River Chinook to extinction, the four federal dams on the Lower Snake River are actively starving these sacred relatives.

The historic successes of the Elwha and Klamath rivers remind us that river restoration works & when dams come down, salmon recolonize. The Pacific Northwest is ready for a fully restored, free-flowing Snake River. Breaching the lower Snake River dams is the single most effective action to honor Tribal rights, restore river health and bring the salmon home. It’s time to breach the dams. Free the Snake!

FREE THE SNAKE
MAKE A DIFFERENCE

THE HEALTH OF THE SNAKE RIVER IS INSEPARABLE FROM NIMIIPUU CULTURE, FOODS AND RESPONSIBILITY TO FUTURE GENERATIONS. THE SNAKE RIVER NOURISHES ECOSYSTEMS AND COMMUNITIES THAT REACH FAR BEYOND THE RIVERBANKS ACROSS THE NORTHWEST AND INTO THE ROCKIES.

FREE THE SNAKE RIVER

  • Two women at an outdoor event. One is seated in a wheelchair, wearing a blue and white outfit, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses. The other is standing, smiling, holding a sign that reads 'Breach the Dams,' with a painted or carved eagle figure behind her. Trees and a vehicle are in the background.

    FREE THE SNAKE FLOTILLA

    This past September 12th, hundreds of people gathered on the Snake River to demand immediate action on the removal of the lower Snake River dams. The 4 Lower Snake River dams violate the 1855 Treaty - federal promises made to the Nez Perce (Nimíipuu) people by driving salmon to extinction. No salmon, no orcas - the four federal dams on the Lower Snake River are actively starving these sacred relatives. Breaching the lower Snake River dams is the single most effective action to honor Tribal rights, restore river health and bring the salmon home. It’s time to breach the dams. Free the Snake!

    POWER CHANGE
  • Group of diverse people holding kayaks and fish-shaped paddles standing by a river with hills in the background.

    STAY CONNECTED

    From treaty rights to river restoration, first foods, cultural continuity and the shared future of this region - these issues shape whether our children and grandchildren can live as Nimiipuu. Learn more about issues that matter most to Nimiipuu People, our efforts, why these efforts matter to us and to the shared future of this region and how informed support helps carry these responsibilities forward.

    NEWSLETTER
  • A large group of colorful kayaks and canoes on water, surrounding a banner that reads 'FREE THE SNAKE'.

    STRONGER TOGETHER

    Support the future we’re responsible for. Backing Nimiipuu youth, culture, foodways and land protection means standing up for what lasts - community, balance and responsibility.

    What we can do together begins with what YOU do now. We’re counting on all of you to stand with us to make a difference.

    MAKE A DIFFERENCE
  • A group of people standing on a wooden dock by the water, some raising their hands, with a paddle boat and trees in the background.

    PARTNER FOR IMPACT

    Get Involved. Join our camp to protect Mother Earth, sacred relatives and the future we are working to protect.

    We work alongside allied NGOs, Tribes and dedicated funders to host high-visibility gatherings, educational workshops, on-the-ground campaigns and initiatives.

    Have an idea? Tell us here.

    CONTACT US

The earth is the mother of all people, and all people should have equal rights upon it.

~ Chief Joseph

POWER CHANGE

Nimiipuu Protecting the Environment