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Nimíipuu Protecting the Environment is hosting a flotilla on August 15th and 16th at Hells Gate State Park in Lewiston, Idaho, to celebrate the profound opportunities a free-flowing lower Snake River and abundant salmon and steelhead will bring to the Northwest—Tribal justice, ecosystem health, community resilience, recreation, and more! This special two-day event will be our biggest rally on the river in years—and will also featuring on-land activities including inspiring Tribal speakers, food, live music, a film screening, and interactive art!
All are welcome to this free community gathering. Join us to listen, learn, and take meaningful action towards salmon recovery in the Columbia Basin and healing the Snake River. Register for free today!
Flotilla Weekend Schedule
Friday, August 15th
- 7:00pm-8:00pm: Live music by Seth Blankenship, food, and interactive salmon art activities
- 8:00pm-8:30pm: Speaking by Julian Matthews and Kayeloni Scott
- 8:30pm - 9:30pm: Outdoor screening of The Grand Salmon
Saturday, August 16th
- 9:00am: Gathering at the Asotin Boat Ramp (light breakfast provided)
- 9:45am: Flotilla launch from the Asotin Boat Ramp
- 9:45-11:30am: Rally on the water for a free lower Snake River
- Participants will paddle from the Asotin Boat Ramp to Hells Gate State Park (a ~2.6-mile paddle downstream)
- Please bring your own non-motorized watercrafts if possible, as there will be limited extra watercrafts available
- If you’re not able to join us on the river, you are welcome to just join for the on-land activities - 11:30am-12:00pm: Flotilla welcoming blessing at Hells Gate shoreline
- 12:00pm-1:00pm: Salmon lunch and vendor tabling
- 1:00pm-2:30pm: Tribal Speakers sharing their wisdom and visions for the Basin
- 2:30-3:00pm: Closing with a blessing, song, and drums
- Transportation will be provided back to the Asotin Boat Ramp from Hells Gate on Saturday starting 3pm
Directions - Getting There
Where to Rent Watercrafts
- University of Idaho Outdoor Rental Center (Moscow, ID)
- Lewis and Clark College Float and Tote Rental Center (Lewiston, ID)
If you are participating in the flotilla, you are responsible for bringing your own non-motorized watercraft (kayak, canoe, raft, etc.). Personal Flotation Devices are also strongly encouraged.
How to Reserve a Campsite at Hells Gate
- Go to https://getoutside.idaho.gov/hells-gate/camping
- Enter the zip code of your residential address.
- From the calendar on the left, select a check-in date of Friday, August 15 and a check-out date of Saturday, August 16. Click the green button below the calendar that says “Map View for 8/15 to 8/16”.
- Once in map view, if you have any requirements for your site (e.g. ADA sites, RV sites, etc.), check them in on the left. Then, from the map, select any of the three loops. Within those loops, select the site you want to reserve.
- Click the red “Reserve” button on the left. Input your vehicle, guest, and payment information, and then select the blue “Reserve” button from the bottom right. Note down what site you reserved before closing out.
- When arriving at Hells Gate State Park on August 15, make sure to check in at the Park Office before heading to your campsite.
Email abbys@wildsalmon.org with any questions or if you need assistance reserving a campsite.
Featured Speakers
Julian F. Matthews
Julian is the Coordinator and a Board Member of Nimíipuu Protecting the Environment (NPTE).
Julian Matthews Enrolled Nez Perce has been actively involved in Environmental issues for the last 20 years primarily in response to threats made on or near the Treaty of 1855 and usual and accustomed areas. These areas are guaranteed to the Nimiipuu with the signing of the 1855 Treaty and in many instances, the federal, state or local governments or private interests interpret these rights quite differently than do the Nez Perce people.
Julian is committed to ensuring that the Treaty Rights to hunt, fish and gather are kept and protected for those who come after us as the Treaty of 1855 signers protected these rights for us to this day. His main goal is to ensure that Tribal youth and adults are educated and have good knowledge of issues affecting our people and also making sure that we (the Nimiipuu) take an active role in protecting our Treaty rights.
Don Sampson
Don served as the Executive Director of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation of Oregon for 10 years (2021-2024 & 2003-2010) .
He also served for 7 years as the Climate Change Project Director for the Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians, a consortium of 57-tribes in the Pacific Northwest. In 2015 he was one of 15 Indigenous representatives from North America at the Paris Climate Accords (COP21). In 2020 he was a top ten national finalist for the American Climate Leadership Award.
Don was the former Executive Director of the Institute of Tribal Government (2012-2017) part of the Center for Public Service at Portland State University. Don also served as Board of Trustees Chairman (1994-1997) of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation in Oregon; overseeing all tribal government and business operations with over 1500 employees. He was the Executive Director of the Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission from 1997-2003. Don served at President and Board Member, Native American Fish & Wildlife Society (1993-1997). He is an enrolled citizen of the Umatilla Tribe.
Don has a B.S. in Fisheries Management from the University of Idaho. He is the hereditary Chief of the Walla Walla Tribe – a lifelong position. He was also recently appointed to the Umatilla Fish & Wildlife Commission .
And more coming soon!
Thank You!
You're all set to attend the Envisioning a Restored Lower Snake River Flotilla on August 15th and 16th at Hells Gate State Park in Lewiston, ID. A confirmation email will be sent to you shortly.