Earth Ministry/WAIPL is honored to have co-hosted an interactive webinar regarding the Columbia River Treaty on October 4, 2022. Advocacy Director, Jessica Zimmerle, joined with DR Michel from the Upper Columbia United Tribes, Jim Heffernan from the Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission, and Joseph Bogaard from Save Our wild Salmon on a panel to discuss the ethics of how we move forward in relationship to the Columbia River and the diverse life it supports.
The Columbia River Treaty is a 1964 agreement between the United States and Canada that controls the Columbia River’s flow across the border. This treaty directly impacts Northwesterners through its influence on fish, hydro-electricity, flood protection, agriculture, navigation, recreation, and more, yet many of us know little to nothing about it! Watch this event recording to better understand the uncertain future of the Columbia River Treaty and its implications for Northwest tribes, wildlife, and communities.
This learning is timely as we’re approaching a deadline for treaty renegotiation and Earth Ministry/WAIPL will have upcoming opportunities for you to get involved. The current treaty has an exclusive focus on maximizing hydropower production and engineered flood control. We’ll be advocating for ecosystem function to be added as a third, primary purpose. We must ensure that the treaty be updated – or “modernized” – to recognize and value Indigenous rights, fish, water quality and the health of the river, principles of good governance, and the reality of present and worsening climate disruption. Read more here.
This webinar looked at where things stand for the crucial issue of the Columbia River Treaty and what the U.S. government needs to get done to ensure a positive future. The event was also covered by NPR and you can read about it here.
We hope you find the recording informative and Earth Ministry/WAIPL looks forward to offering more opportunities for learning and action on this issue!