Klamath

Maqlaqs Paddle and Ríos to Rivers put on the first Paddle Tribal Waters program on the Klamath river in July 2022. The program is teaching Indigenous youth from the region to paddle with the goal of setting them up to be the first to kayak the soon to be undammed Klamath River. Native American tribes have led the long effort to get these four dams removed to help restore the river and its salmon runs which are central to the health, well-being, and cultural identity of the tribes in the Klamath watershed. The 12 students have tribal affiliations with the Hoopa Valley Tribe, Yurok, Quartz Valley Indian Reservation, Klamath, Modoc, Confederated Warm Springs, Navajo, and Hopi.

I joined the crew for a day on the river from Persido Bar to Sandy Bar. It was the student's second week of kayaking and their stoke was high. They had clean lines and a ton of fun while continuing to build their skills.

The program also focuses on river stewardship and advocacy, something that is already part of the lives of many of the the students. It was inspiring to hear of their connections and relationship to the Klamath River and the other rivers in their tribal territories. This is truly the next generation of river stewards!