Reviving Salmon Culture

After being without this crucial cultural and natural resource for over 100 years, the Yurok and Karuk people of far Northern California are celebrating the return of salmon.

In 1912, the first hydroelectric dam was built on the Klamath River — where indigenous people have lived and fished for thousands of years. Fast-forward to 2024, when four dams were removed and the “biggest dam removal and river restoration effort in history” took place. After the dams came down, it didn’t take long for those persistent aquatic fighters to return to their historical waters. In August, the last of the dams was demolished and by October salmon were spotted in the river.

The senior fisheries biologist for the Yurok Tribe was quoted in the BBC, saying,

“I couldn't believe they'd been spotted in Oregon. It was incredible news to hear – it was mind boggling. When I heard, I was like 'wait, already?!' They've exceeded any expectations anyone had."

Those are some tough fish who didn’t forget where they came from.