Stories & Learning
First person story telling has a unique power to deepen our understanding of the histories, cultures and environment that surrounds us.
Confluence in the Community connects civic organizations, environmental groups, and education partners to keep Confluence sites as thriving hubs of activity. We put on events such as work parties, panels, workshops, road trips, and concerts that connect people to the Columbia River system.
For the last eight years, Confluence in the Classroom (CIC) has connected students to place through art and education by introducing them to native artists and culture bearers from the Chinook Nation, Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde, Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, Yakama Nation, Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation and Nez Perce Tribe. Together, native educators, students and teachers embark on a year-long learning journey. Field trips to sites with significant environmental and cultural stories are highlights of these journeys.
Roberta Conner describes winter villages and tributaries, communal knowledge, and the time of low water.
Tanna Engdahl talks about the Cowlitz spiritual connection and the determination not to leave their homeland.
Take a virtual tour of the Vancouver Land Bridge, produced by John Post of Padova Media.
