July 2021 Snake River Exchange
Dreamed up by the participants from the Snake delegation who participated in Ríos to Rivers’ 2019 Klamath-Elwha exchange, this two and a half week journey on the Snake River will become one of Ríos to Rivers most unique exchanges to date.
The project will:
Support and deepen the existing efforts to remove the four dams from the Snake by empowering under-served youth from the Snake and six other endangered basins;
Assist in the construction of traditional Nimiipuu canoes and paddles;
Create life-long bonds that foster more coordinated collaboration to fight for the rights of people and their ecosystems;
Provide leadership development, advocacy training and carpentry skills to 18 youth and 12 community leaders from seven imperiled river basins;
Continue to establish and coordinate a coalition of grassroots partners throughout the world who are fighting for free-flowing rivers.
Ríos to Rivers
Through cultural exchanges Ríos to Rivers connects young people from rural and indigenous communities which are threatened or recovering from reservoir and dam development. These historically underrepresented communities have been left out of traditional top-down decisions for river development that ultimately damage the health of their rivers and communities.
Many of our students do not have the means to travel, nor have they been exposed to opportunities to participate in river recreation, meet people from other cultures, interact directly with scientists, politicians and community leaders. Students gain a deeper sense of purpose, which extends far beyond individual growth, as they discover that they have the power to be a voice for their communities and their rivers. As we continue to create opportunities, where they can take positive action on issues, students are able to improve their communities for decades.
FOR PARTICIPANTS
Important Documents
If you have any questions please email Weston Boyles
weston.boyles@riostorivers.org