New Issue of Voices of the River Explores Indigenous Perspectives on Columbia River Dams
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
Lily Hart
Managing Editor
lily@confluenceproject.org
(360) 487–0949
New Issue of Voices of the River Explores Indigenous Perspectives on Columbia River Dams
VANCOUVER, Wash. – The second annual volume of the journal, Voices of the River, by the nonprofit Confluence features Indigenous perspectives on the legacy of Columbia River dams. Like its inaugural issue last year, Volume 2 of the journal is designed to elevate Tribal voices from the Northwest. The new issue features articles, stories, poetry and artwork by Native American writers and artists. Confluence and its supporters will celebrate the launch of the second volume of the journal on November 17, 2023.
The theme of Voices of the River Volume 2—The Legacy of Dams and the Return of the Salmon—is an invitation to reflect on our past, present, and future: What is the legacy of damming the Columbia? What benefits would come from restoring salmon populations to the Columbia and reviving the health of the river?
This issue features articles by Dr. Michelle M. Jacob, Carol Craig, Dr. Lindsey Schneider, and Rachel Cushman; poetry by Hii-ne Jake A. DePoe and Owen Oliver; and art by Chanti Mañon and Sarah Folden. The journal’s Lead Editor is Dr. David G. Lewis and the cover artist Chanti Mañon.
The journal launch will include a short discussion on the volume with Dr. David G. Lewis and Chanti Manon, followed by mingling, food, and an in-person opportunity to buy the journal. RSVP and more information here: https://www.confluenceproject.org/event-post/voices-of-the-river-launch-party-volume-2/
David G. Lewis, PhD, is a member of the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde, a descendant of the Takelma, Chinook, Molalla, and Santiam Kalapuya peoples of western Oregon, and teaches fulltime in anthropology and Indigenous studies at Oregon State University. Of Voices of the River, Dr. David G. Lewis says “The journal is making an important contribution towards uplifting Natives’ voices as we come to terms with the near destruction of Tribal communities and our environment after two centuries of colonization. This issue looks towards the future—seeking to envision—the revitalization of Tribal cultures and imagine what it would mean to restore our lands and waters for the health of animal and fish relatives we live among. These are real-world issues that Indigenous peoples live with and hope for today.”
The journal is funded by Cowlitz Tribal Foundation’s Clark County Fund, Meyer Memorial Trust, The Honorable Frank L. and Arlene G. Price Foundation, and Friends of Confluence. The journal can be ordered here: https://www.confluenceproject.org/support-donate/confluenceshop/
About Confluence:
Confluence is a community supported nonprofit with the mission to connect people to the history, living cultures, and ecology of the Columbia River system through Indigenous voices. The group has completed 5 art installations that stretch from the mouth of the Columbia River to the banks of the Snake River in southeastern Washington. Confluence has also developed a series of educational programs in schools and public gatherings, designed to elevate Indigenous voices in our understanding of the Columbia River system.