Inspiring the next Generation of river stewards
Our Mission
Ríos to Rivers inspires the protection of rivers worldwide by investing in underserved and Indigenous youth who are intimately connected to their local waters and supporting them in their development as the next generation of environmental stewards.
RÍos to rivers Programs
USA
Paddle
Tribal Waters
Chile
Kayakimün
Bolivia
Amazonian
Rivers Initiative
u.n.
undam the
unITED NATIONS
Klamath First Descent
In 2025, students completed the historic Klamath River First Source to Sea Descent, a 310-mile journey from the headwaters in southern Oregon to the Pacific Ocean following the removal of four dams on the Klamath River. This expedition was the culmination of three Summer Cohorts and two Academies in partnership with Maqlaqs Paddle, Páah Áama, and World Class Academy where students trained in whitewater kayaking, expedition planning, river safety, physical conditioning, and cultural and environmental history.
Over multiple seasons, they progressed from beginner skills to expedition-ready paddlers, completing one of the most symbolic whitewater descents in history. The Descent gained worldwide attention and helped bring dams and their effects on the environment, and impacts on Indigenous Culture into the global press.
In the Press
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The New York Times
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The Washington Post
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The Kelly Clarkson Show
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Scholastic News
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San Francisco Chronicle
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CNN
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USA Today
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The Assocaited Press
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White House Water Summit
Our impact
Every dollar donated supports our 4 programs and Indigenous youth across the USA and South America
84% to program costsYour generosity makes in-person programming possible for continued Rios to Rivers work.
608 days of programming
Rios to Rivers held in-person programming 89% of days in 2024 and 2025.
44 speaking opportunities
Rios to Rivers students have made their voices heard across the globe
Your Support Matters
Your contribution will directly support our mission to use whitewater kayaking and education to protect rivers worldwide and the communities that support them.
“I learned that this is our culture and this is what our ancestors would want us to do is to reclaim our river back and that’s what we did. I learned to not have a quiet voice and to speak up when there is something wrong with our water.”
– Scarlett Schroeder, Paddle Tribal Waters Student
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