Photo: Sayq’is Love Greene
In October, I was invited to present at the 4th annual Rise Up Northwest (R.U.N.) Conference, hosted by the Columbia Snake River Campaign, at the Spokane Tribe Resort and Casino. R.U.N. is a gathering of Tribal leaders, scientists, policy experts, anglers, youth, and community members across the Pacific Northwest exploring the challenges facing water, salmon, orcas, and the interconnection among them.
The conference was full of incredible speakers, expert panels, and informative presentations. I was asked to give an update on the Stibnite Gold Project and the recent push to repeal the National Roadless Rule, and I was honored to share the presentation with Joe Oatman, Manager of the Nez Perce Tribe Department of Fisheries, and Wes Keller, Project Lead for the Nez Perce Tribe Watershed Division.
Photo: Poxpox Young
While much of the conference focused on direct threats and initiatives facing salmon recovery, we were thrilled to pack out our breakout room to share updates about the threats that Stibnite and a potential repeal of the Roadless Rule would have within the context of R.U.N. It’s easy to forget that, despite holding much of our attention for the past several years, the realities of the Stibnite project and hardrock mining in general were relatively unknown to many who joined us for our presentation.
Photo: Poxpox Young
Beyond the great presentations and panels, it was incredibly refreshing to be in the same space with colleagues who make up the Columbia Snake River Campaign. So often our interactions happen on long email threads or back-to-back Zoom calls. When we can be in the same room, share ideas, and learn together, it’s hard not to leave an event like R.U.N. inspired and motivated to continue the work with renewed urgency and resolve.
Photo: Sayq’is Love Greene
Thank you to everyone at the Columbia Snake River Campaign for the invitation! We will be back again next year and hope some of you reading this will make plans to join us.
