We don’t just live in the Pacific Northwest.
We are the Pacific Northwest.
We love this place and it has worked its way deep into our bones. We are representatives and Indigenous Peoples of the Lower Columbia River, the Lower Snake River, and the Upper Snake River.
We believe now, more than ever, in the wake of the unprecedented uncertainty and loss that has gripped our nation, we need to tap into this spirit to build the Northwest of the future. One that respects and makes good on promises made to Tribal Nations in Treaty Rights and traditional rights of Indigenous Peoples, delivers clean water, renewable energy, efficient transportation, a thriving economy and bountiful agriculture—and recovers healthy, robust populations of wild salmon and orcas.
“This place is medicine. This place is home. It’s my mama. It’s my heart.”
— Jessica Matsaw, Shoshone-Bannock Tribal Member, educator and co-founder of River Newe. Photo: River Newe
We Are Northwest Strong
We are here to invoke and honor the spirit of the Pacific Northwest, one that is focused on values, community, and common ground. Because it turns out when we talk to one another, we have a whole lot more in common than not.
We honor the homelands of Indigenous Peoples who have lived in this landscape since time immemorial, stretching from the Pacific to the Tetons and encompassing the mighty Columbia-Snake River Basin. We pay our respects to their elders past and present.
Jessica Matsaw is a Shoshone-Bannock Tribal Member, an educator and a co-founder of the nonprofit, River Newe. She lives in Fort Hall, Idaho.
Dr. Sammy Matsaw is a Shoshone-Bannock Tribal Member, veteran, and a co-founder of the nonprofit, River Newe. He lives in Fort Hall, Idaho.
Anna Lindstedt is the Development Director for the nonprofit Friends of the Teton River and is a Fall River Rural Electric Cooperative Board Member. She lives in Driggs, Idaho.
“We are at a watershed moment in history right now where we have not only the urgency to act, but also the ability to act.”
— Mark Deming, marketing director for Northwest River Supplies. Based in Moscow, Idaho.
Lucinda George Simpson is a Nimiipuu (Nez Perce) Tribal Elder and a descendent of Chief Joseph. She lives in Lapwai, Idaho.
Julian Matthews is Nimiipuu (Nez Perce) Tribal Member and co-founder of Nimiipuu Protecting the Environment. He lives in Pullman, Washington.
Mark Deming is the marketing director for Northwest River Supplies (NRS). He lives in Moscow, Idaho.
“Our common ground is that we all need that river.”
— Amy Grondin, co-owner of Duna Fisheries and a commercial fisherman working off the Washington Coast.
Amy Grondin is the co-owner of Duna Fisheries and a commercial fisherman working off the Washington Coast. She is based in Port Townsend, Washington.
Barrett Ames is a guide at Fish The Swing, operating on the Oregon North Coast and the Deschutes River.
Liz Hamilton is the executive director of Northwest Sportfishing Industry Association. She is based in Oregon City, Oregon.