The Big River

by Aja DeCoteau, OEC board member

My people, the Yakama, called it N’ch i wana, “the big river.” The Columbia River has been the lifeblood of all the cultures it touches. The salmon that swim its waters have shaped the culture of the newcomers to this region just as they shaped tribal cultures before them. Salmon are the icon of this place.

My roots run deep in this region—for thousands of years of my ancestors fished in its waters, gathered in its meadows, hunted its forests. That connection is a big part of who I am today. I feel a responsibility to make sure the tribal land ethic and sense of place are represented in conversations about our shared environment. That duty led me into a field that aims to protect our rivers and our salmon, and it led me to become a member of the Oregon Environmental Council (OEC) and serve on its board. Will you join me in becoming a member of OEC today?

For tribal people, natural resources are synonymous with cultural resources. The tribes have been doing important work to protect our “First Foods”—water, deer, salmon, roots, and berries—and the environment upon which they depend. This work sustains not only tribal people and culture, but benefits all Oregonians. The environment connects us all. Environmental degradation, climate change, and polluted rivers are health risks for everyone—for salmon, for you, for me.

Tribal wisdom teaches that we should think of how our decisions will affect those seven generations in the future. That connection was made more tangible to me last year with the birth of my daughter, Isabella. Our actions today shape the land that our children, their children, and their children’s children will live in and hopefully enjoy.

Oregon Environmental Council is working to protect Oregon’s clean air and water for you and me, for Isabella, and for all the other children who will grow up in this beautiful state. I urge you to join OEC as a member today with your donation. They are a strong voice in what happens to Oregon’s environment, and part of that strength is their commitment to partnering and learning from the tribes and other underrepresented groups.

As Oregonians, we have common goals. Let’s work together to protect Oregon’s rivers, our children and our future. You can start by making a gift to OEC today.

Thank you,

Aja DeCoteau, OEC Board of Directors

Pink Donate Now Button-01-01

Related Posts
Filter by
Post Page
Featured Emerging Leaders Board OEC Membership Earth Day People Our Impact Water News Policy Water Conservation Transportation Solutions Air Quality OEC News/Updates/Events Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Toxics-Free Environments Climate Protection Environmental Health Eco-Healthy Homes Rural Partnerships
Sort by
headshot of bethany with oec logo and text "member q&a: Bethany Shetterly Thomas!"

Member Q&A: Bethany Shetterly Thomas

OEC member Bethany Shetterly Thomas wears a lot of hats. She is Board President and founder of Earth Day Oregon, co-founder of Ecology in Classrooms and Outdoors, and served on OEC’s
May 13, 2025, 2:06 pm
mcadmin

1

Image of the Oregon Capitol with the words "Action Alert - one click" and a mouse cursor clicking near the words "Action Alert"

Pass Senate Bill 88: Get Junk Fees Out of Utility Bills

Oregonians are struggling with skyrocketing utility bills. At the same time, the state’s largest utilities have raised rates by almost 50% in just four years while making profits, and passing unnecessary costs on to consumers. Our utility bills are covering their costs for expensive lawyers, lobbyists, marketing, and industry association fees.
May 5, 2025, 5:08 pm
mcadmin

1

oregon state capitol at sunset with water fountains in front

Mid-Session Update: Tracking the Flow of Our Water Bills

We’re officially past the halfway point in this legislative session. After dozens of meetings with legislators, and hundreds of Oregonians contacting their representatives to speak up for the issues that matter most, this is a key moment when the fate of our bills – and the thousands of other bills that have been submitted – is determined.    Oregon’s 83rd
April 23, 2025, 10:37 am
klew

1

Bikes, Trains, Buses, and Walkable Streets: The Future Oregonians Want

Today, 100+ Oregonians are rallying in Salem to deliver a message shared by more than a thousand during a legislative listening tour last summer – public and active transportation is equally important no matter where you live in Oregon.
April 17, 2025, 5:30 am
mcadmin

1

Celebrate Earth Month with BottleDrop Give!

Happy Earth Month! Obviously, this is our favorite time of year at OEC. It’s an opportunity to go on a favorite hike, connect with your community, and reflect on the beauty and bounty of our one and only planet. However, this season isn’t just about celebration: it’s also about looking ahead, and standing up for the future of our home. With ever-mounting threats from the federal administration, and
April 14, 2025, 11:35 am
samp

1

A field of pink tulips with a calendar graphic and the words "Earth Month Events" with an arrow and heart

Make Earth Month Count in 2025

Earth Day and OEC were formed just a year apart (1970 and 1969, respectively), and our collective missions have always been parallel. OEC’s work has proven that strong, lasting environmental protections are possible when we work together. From the nation’s first Bottle Bill to the Clean Fuels Program (which has cut 10M tons of carbon emissions – and counting – from our atmosphere). Just as our movement has progressed, so has Earth Day. It evolved into Earth Month, and
April 1, 2025, 9:56 am
mcadmin

1

Text says: What is "Ways and Means" Anyways? and includes a graphic with Oregon

What is “Ways and Means,” Anyway?

Making laws is complicated – and that can be a good thing. Good public policy – which OEC has championed from the beginning – requires thinking through how a program will be carried out as well as what resources will be needed to make it successful.
March 19, 2025, 11:24 am
robinr

1

"It

Forever Chemicals in Oregon? Not If We Stop Them.

PFAS are called “forever chemicals” for a reason: once they’re in the environment, they stick around – causing harm for generations. This group of synthetic chemicals are added to products to deflect heat, grease, and water. But, instead of helping, these toxic chemicals are cau
March 13, 2025, 4:45 pm
crystal2530

1

Illustrated image of a kitchen featuring an induction stovetop and wall mounted heat pump. Graphics include table/chairs kitchen sink, fridge and include a visual burst to callout the electric devices that are helping the home be more energy efficient.

A Climate Solution You Can Live In: Q&A on Building Resilience

Sometimes big-impact solutions to the climate crisis can feel beyond our control – other times they’re right within reach, like upgrading our homes and buildings. This Q&A with Brad Reed, Director of Building Resilience, highlights how we can transform our homes and communities into climate-resilient havens. From heat pumps to insulation, Brad explains how basic upgrades can protect our health and our communities, while also saving money on
March 3, 2025, 11:38 am
robinr

1

Move Oregon Forward: A Coalition and Vision for Our Transportation Future

There’s a big problem happening in our transportation system today, and it’s been decades in the making. The Oregon Department of Transportation is facing a $1.8 billion deficit. If this is not met, ODOT staff have sai
January 21, 2025, 6:20 pm
kristopherf

1


No Replies to "The Big River"