Paul Lumley: Executive Director; Department of Defensive
Now going on day 5 and still running strong. From Bend Oregon, to The Dalles to visit Celilo Village.
As we sit and listen carefully from a long trip, the discussion provided by Paul Lumley brought many topics to my attention.
Although many people would consider floods to be a bad thing, there are a few positive things that come of it. Floods are actually good for salmon as well as the health of river. Fish passage is also restored.
If you don't already know, the Columbia River is contaminated. The water is dirty! Unlike hundreds of years ago, no one is able to fill a bucket straight from the river and drink it as a source of hydration. Not only that, but the fish that we love to eat so much that come from the Columbia, also carry thousands if not millions, of harmful contaminants!
The workforce Development is trying to find a solution. Because this is a huge concern to the Celilo Village and tribes across the Pacific Northwest, the commission is hoping to hire Native American graduates. There have been issues with non-tribal members so the Workforce Development does not want non-native biologists working to help find a solution to the problem.
Due to the climate change, there has been less snowfall and warmer water causing more fish to die. The reason for this is because fish are meant to live in cold water.
Although the presentation came to a conclusion, our stay continued. People of Big River were invited to stay the night at the Celilo Village long house. During our stay, we were to pull invasive species, learn about the issues that are occurring, and also enjoy the beautiful view of the river. The night came sooner than expected but a few of us still managed to take a late night walk to the river where we were able to admire its true beauty!
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