Wisdom of the Elders

Standards

GEOGRAPHY

SS.05.GE.01.01—Know and use basic map elements to answer geographic questions or display geographic information.

SS.05.GE.02.01—Use maps and charts to interpret geographic information.

SS.05.GE.02.02—Use other visual representations to locate, identify and distinguish physical and human features of places and regions.

SS.05.GE.03.03—Locate, identify and know the significance of major mountains, lakes and land regions of Oregon.

SS.05.GE.05.01—Understand how physical geography affects the routes, flow and destinations of migration.

SS.05.GE.05.02—Explain how migrations affect the culture of emigrants and native populations.

SS.05.GE.06.01—Identify and give examples of positive and negative impacts of population increases or decreases.

SS.05.GE.07.01—Understand how and why people alter the physical environment.

SS.05.GE.07.02—Describe how human activity can impact the environment.

SS.05.GE.08—Understand how human activities are affected by the physical environment.

SS.05.GE.08.02—Understand how the physical environment presents opportunities for economic and recreational activity.

CD Segments to Play

For this topic, go to Historical Introduction with Arlie Neskahi and Sacred Landscape with Judy BlueHorse-Skelton.

With the signing of the Walla Walla Treaty of 1855, many of the tribes along the Columbia were moved to the timbered forests and rangelands 90 miles to the south. They were joined in 1879 by members of the Northern Paiute. In 1957, the traditional fishing sites along the Columbia River were flooded by The Dalles Dam. It was a tragic loss for these nations.

However, the Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs Indians have graciously and courageously maintained their rich way of life, hunting deer and elk, fishing for salmon and eels, and gathering huckleberries and camas roots. Their 640,000 acre reservation runs along the Deschutes river up to the crest of the Cascade Mountain Range.

Using their timber and agricultural resources, they have become good stewards of the land they now call home. In 1980, they purchased back a traditional fishing site along the Deschutes River. Also on the Deschutes, a hydro-electric project is now jointly owned and managed by the Warm Springs Tribes and a local power company. The Kah-Nee-Ta High Desert Resort and Casino generates income and tourism. The tribe is positioned for a prosperous future but retains the values of its heritage.

Background

Suggested Strategies

Activities

1.  Mapping exercise

Study a map of north central Oregon and identify the landmarks mentioned on the CD.  Outline the traditional homelands for the three tribes that comprise the Warm Springs Confederation. Find present-day Celilo Falls and go to websites on the Internet that describe the area and its history such as  HYPERLINK “http://www.ccrh.org/” www.ccrh.org/ for a comprehensive history of the Columbia River system, including a close look at The Dalles dam and others that impacted salmon fisheries and  HYPERLINK “http://www.critfc.org/” www.critfc.org/ which contains a map showing salmon restoration projects in the basin.

Describe huckleberries, camas, salmon, eels and their sociocultural meaning, habitat and locations on a map of the area.  Describe camas in a similar manner. In a teleconference with state forestry officials, shade in the areas where huckleberries are still harvested. Determine if these plants also grow in your area. Describe the role of salmon in native culture for Columbia River tribes and those who traded to obtain fresh and cured salmon. Ask students for their own culture, are there also foods and customs that define their history, values and belief systems (chiles and corn for Hispanic cultures)?