East Shore Unitarian Sermons (bellevue, Wa)

Our guest speaker, indigenous activist Julian Matthews, will share what it means for the Nimiipuu (Nez Perce Tribe) to be protectors of sacred lands and waters. The focus of his talk will be the current issue of how Nez Perce Treaty rights are impacted by the Lower Four Snake River dams. Salmon have been a critical part of Nimiipuu culture and identity and are one of the main First Foods for their people. Asserting Treaty rights to safeguard these relationships propels their current activism to restore the wild salmon runs on the Snake River by removing the Lower Snake River dams. In so doing, the tribe aims to ensure that their Treaty rights are secured for future generations.