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Salmon, Society, and Success: A case study on the intersections of colonialism, ecological degradation, and the power of social action.

Author(s): Kylea Rose Garces

Northeastern University

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Summary:
Using a case study approach, this lesson examines colonialism as an ongoing force affecting nature, culture, and society by focusing on decades of tribally led efforts resulting in recent federal approval of four Klamath River dams. Chinook Salmon…

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Using a case study approach, this lesson examines colonialism as an ongoing force affecting nature, culture, and society by focusing on decades of tribally led efforts resulting in recent federal approval of four Klamath River dams. Chinook Salmon are not only endangered keystone species among the Pacific Northwest, but they also play invaluable roles to the communities that rely on them. Using the Four-Dimensional Ecology Education Framework (4DEE) combined with aspects of environmental sociology, this module encourages students to critically examine the causes and consequences of salmon population decline. Further, students will evaluate the decision-making involved in the largest dam removal by critiquing different stakeholder perspectives through a role-playing activity. With the conclusion of this module, students will recognize the opportunity imposed by climate change as a vehicle for social action and the integration of various forms of knowledge as a driver in making more equitable ecological decisions for our futures.

Description

Students will use a case study to understand the ecological and cultural significance of salmon within the Klamath River Basin and thereby gain insight into the ways human-induced change and historical issues of colonial decision-making have impacted these salmon populations. Students will then evaluate the process of political decision-making about whether to remove or not remove dams through role-playing activities based on the perspectives of multiple stakeholders.

Notes

This is Version 1. I advise instructors to continue to keep up to date with the case as it unfolds, new information arises, and the salmon species is monitored as the dams are removed. I have included some links, videos, news outlets at the bottom, but the list is not exhaustive!

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