More Than a Fish: Stories of Salmon and Sovereignty in the Pacific Northwest with Dylan Hedden-Nicely

Doors at 6:00 p.m., show from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. PDT. (If the event is sold out, unclaimed seats will be released to the waitlist at 6:45 p.m.)

Where: Columbia Center for the Arts, 215 Cascade Ave., Hood River, OR 97031 A livestream option is available. These show typically sell out. We advise buying your tickets early.

Story:

How did a fish become an icon — and why should we care? In the 1960s and 70s, while the U.S. grappled with civil rights turmoil, the Pacific Northwest saw a unique struggle over tribal fishing rights—with salmon caught in the middle. Activists staged “fish-ins” instead of sit-ins, and the story of Northwest salmon ultimately reached the U.S. Supreme Court. This talk recognizes the long arc of legal history, beginning with the first tribal fishing rights case before the Supreme Court in 1905, and continuing through multiple returns to the Court leading up to the fish-ins and landmark decisions that followed. But this conversation is about more than just fishing rights—it is about tribal sovereignty, the enduring role of treaties between the United States and Tribal Nations, and the legal and moral questions surrounding how those agreements should be interpreted in modern times. Join us for a conversation with Dylan Hedden-Nicely (Citizen of the Cherokee Nation and Director of the Native American Law Program at the University of Idaho) as we explore how the story of salmon became the story of so much more here in the Pacific Northwest.

About the Speaker:
Dylan R. Hedden-Nicely, a citizen of the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma, is Associate Dean and Professor of Law at the University of Idaho College of Law.

Professor Hedden-Nicely graduated from the University of Idaho College of Law, magna cum laude, with an emphasis in Native American law, as well as in natural resources & environmental law. Concurrently, Professor Hedden-Nicely earned a master's degree in water resources (science & engineering). While in private practice, Hedden-Nicely focused on litigation and negotiation of issues related to Native American natural resources and water rights. Professor Hedden-Nicely’s research interests include Native American natural resources and water law, tribal treaty rights, tribal civil and regulatory jurisdiction, water rights law, legal history and Constitutional law. He continues to consult with tribes on issues related to Native American natural resources and water rights.

About Sense of Place:

For 16-years, Sense of Place has connected people through place and storytelling.

Our flagship speaker series features people with unique knowledge of the Columbia River Gorge and who consider the natural and cultural history that has shaped this place. Guests have included: scientists, tribal members, authors, farmers, and many others from throughout the Pacific Northwest. The stories shared deepen our understanding of the Gorge and strengthen our connection to the landscape and to each other.

Learn more about Sense of Place and check out our online archive and past events HERE.

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Sense of Place is a program of Mt. Adams Institute, which provides programs that
strengthen the connection between people and the natural world through
education, service, career development, and research.