Pacific Sámi Searvi is headquartered in what is now known as Seattle, Washington, which is unceded Duwamish Land. This podcast was recorded in what is now known as Sandpoint, Idaho which is unceded Kalispel and Ktunaxa land.

In this episode, we are joined by Ben-Alex Dupris, a member of the Colville Confederated Tribes in the Pacific Northwest of Turtle Island, aka the United States, and co-founder of Charlie Birdhat. We are also joined by PT Bruno, a canoe builder, and carver who is also co-founder of Charlie Birdhat with Ben-Alex. Charlie Birdhat is an organization that creates a community and specializes in research, education, and expeditions in canoes on the Columbia River, which local Native American call “the Big River”.  

We discuss a specific canoe journey coming up soon called The Big Water Salmon Jump, which Charlie Birdhat is co-organizing with local tribes including Spokane Tribe of Indians CDA, Colville, Kalispel, Sinixt, and Kootenai tribes, as well as non-profits Inchelium Language House, Spokane River Keeper, and others right here in the Pacific Northwest. The Big Water Salmon Jump begins on June 13th and includes many miles of paddling, cultural events, water quality testing, and ceremonies to bring the salmon back to the waterways. The Big Water Salmon Jump begins on June 13th in British Columbia in Canada and completes on July 23rd at the Confluence of Snake River. This event is open to the public, and you do not have to be Indigenous in order to participate, volunteer, support, and be involved. 

The Pacific Sámi Searvi was created to bring together people in the diaspora, embracing our culture and culture. Our mission at the Pacific Sámi Searvi is to honor, cultivate, and expand our understanding of Sámi culture, heritage, and contemporary issues. Learn more at https://www.pacificsami.org/ or email us at pacificsamisearvi@gmail.com.