First Foods as Environmental Justice
Over time, the Klamath Tribes face increasing pressures from climate change and outstanding challenges of the Klamath Hydroelectric Project. After decades of tribal protest, dams are being removed which will ideally work to replenish aching ecosystems which includes important first foods for tribes. This gap/evolution in traditions during scarcity reveals the need to place a large emphasis on incorporating traditional ecological knowledge into education, particularly from a folklore lens.
Klamath Dam Removal
The Klamath Hydroelectric Project (1903-1962) refers to a system of various dams. Four larger hydroelectric dams in this project have significantly impacted the river's ecosystem making fish passage difficult and decreasing water quality. This in turn has decreased fish populations which are crucial to the livelihoods and cultural practices of indigenous tribes in the region. After years of negotiations and environmental assessments, a historic $450 million agreement less than 10 years ago made this project the largest dam removal project in the world. The removal of the dams is designed to boost fish populations including, salmon and suckers, which are culturally important first foods for the Klamath tribes. These increased fish populations long with improved nutrient distribution will not only benefit the river's ecosystem but also the tribes that have long relied on the Klamath River's resources and struggled with its scarcity.
Tribal Advocacy
The Klamath tribes, for decades, have practiced protest and advocacy to in order to advocate for the removal of certain dams. They looked to restore river access and first foods. Tribal members have participated in rallies, lawsuits, and lobbying to spread awareness to this issue. In 2002, a catalyst event in this protesting was a fish kill as it led to symbolic demonstrations. These protests took place from a multidisciplinary standpoint with the support environmental groups, tribes, engineers, scientists and more. The removal of these dams is expected to restore fish passage, increase water quality, and help to ensure the continuation tribal cultural traditions.
Resiliency Through Native Education
Traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) is extremely valueable to understand human-environment relations. Hence it is impotyant to include it in education systems. It is beneficial to the conservation of cultural heritage and TEK is transmitted through stories, legends, and folklore, which all works to provide a wealth of information history and ecology. Integrating TEK into education or having native educators, helps empower students to seek active roles in preserving their heritage. In a dynamic world where cultural disruptions can occur, preserving TEK through folklore and education is invaluable. Additionally, carrying this knowledge through generations, can help build resiliency and adaptability.