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The Klamath River Basin: Moving from a Colonial Past Toward a Cooperative Future
By Jan Raether – University of Oregon ENVS 411 – Climate Change and Indigenous Peoples in the United States
Timeline
References The Climate Leadership Ini2a2ve. (2010) Preparing for Climate Change in the Klamath Basin. Na2onal Center for Conserva2on Science & Policy The Climate Leadership Ini2a2ve CozzeFo et al. (2013) Climate change impacts on the water resources of American Indians and Alaska Na2ves in the U.S. DOI 10.1007/s10584-‐013-‐0852 hFp://link.springer.com/ar2cle/10.1007/s10584-‐013-‐0852-‐y Doremus, H. (2008). Water War in the Klamath Basin: Macho law, Combat biology, and Dirty Poli<cs. Washington DC: Island Press. Herald Pub. Co.(1908–1922) The Evening Herald. Oregonnews.uoregon.edu/lccn/sn99063812/ Klamath Tribal Council records, Bx 051, Special Collec2ons & University Archives, University of Oregon Libraries, Eugene, Oregon Slaughter, R. (2007). Water, adapta2on, and property rights on the snake and Klamath Rivers. Journal Of The American Water Resources Associa<on, (2), 308-‐321. Thorson, J. (2006). Tribal Water Rights: Essays in Contemporary Law, Policy, and Economics. Tucson: University of Arizona Press. Williams, Terry; Hardison, Preston D. (2013) Culture, Law, Risk and Governance: The Ecology of Tradi2onal Knowledge in Climate Change Adapta2on. Clima2c Change hFp://link.springer.com/ar2cle/10.1007/s10584-‐013-‐0850-‐0
Abstract: With the removal of tribes from native lands, colonialism dots Oregon’s history. Colonialism may be seen as a thing of the past, but with continuing climate change, there is an opportunity for history to repeat itself. Oregon’s colonial history is an extremely contentious one, and one that has in many cases been written out of history in order to repair Oregon’s tarnished past. Still, looking to the past is important in looking to the future. Climate change is likely to have a significant impact on water resources in Southern Oregon, impacting agricultural regions and Oregon’s economy significantly. Through Oregon’s colonial history, non-Native peoples have largely controlled water rights and water claims. However, the Klamath people have been arguing their historic claims to the Klamath Basin and it’s resources. As resources become more scarce conflict between farmers and the Klamath tribes are likely to become more frequent. This research paper will examine historical as well as potential future water resource conflicts as well as tribally supported, but mutually beneficial solutions, to the looming threats. The Klamath people as well as the farmers in fishermen share the same landscapes in Southern Oregon throughout Klamath and surrounding counties. I expect to find significant evidence of past conflict and potential for future conflict, as well as potential non-colonialist solutions to shifting water resources.
This research project has attempted to stay true to the values of the Indigenous Peoples it describes. While it does not include personal interviews it draws extensively from the perspectives of the Klamath people through their writing and Tribal Records. The research includes historical documents housed in the University of Oregon Archives. Additionally it explores existing, as well as predicted climate change impacts so as to explain the urgency of resolving this conflict for both Indigenous and non-indigenous peoples of the Klamath Basin. Finally, this research incorporates many aspects of the readings included in the Environmental Studies 411 Course: Climate Change and Indigenous Peoples in the United States which included perspectives on Indigenous Knowledge, Living Well, Participatory Research, and so much more.
Research Approach
• In 2010 Tribes, counties, irrigators, and conservancy groups signed the Klamath Basin Restoration Agreement and Klamath Hydroelectric Settlement Agreement, setting into motion the removal of four dams
• Crop diversification practices are likely to mitigate climate change impacts. Indigenous knowledge of crops could lead to more sustainable agriculture in the region.
• Tribal baselines are being considered, not only the
baselines established by Western Science. • Humanist approach to addressing other Climate
Change issues in the region
While the conflicts of the Klamath Basin have often been identified as “non-violent war”, the region is also beginning to set an example for other regions facing socio-environmental turmoil as a result of Climate Change. The Klamath Agreements on Restoration are a watershed moment in cross-community collaboration especially considering the number of partners. While hurdles still exist, the direction is moving from conflict to reconciliation and hope. One of the primary concerns has been the issue of trust, but through this collaboration and reconciliation, trust can be fostered, and the communities can continue to address the issues with which they are going to be faced in the coming decades. Already we are seeing potential threats from increased wildfire and decreasing crop production, both issues which can be addressed collaboratively.
• Irrigated crops are vulnerable to higher temperatures and projected water shortages from increasing demands and reduced supplies
• River flows of the region are projected to be altered,
with reduced summer flows when irrigation demands are highest
• Increasing severe weather events will increase erosion
destroying already limited salmon habitats • Increased production of winter crops could offset
some carbon emissions, but wont continue long-term • Climate change does not recognize boundaries.
Treaties could be impacted as resources shift.
• Tribal water rights have been taken in favor of supporting industrial agriculture.
• The Klamath Basin straddles two states, parts of eight counties, as well as countless Indigenous and non-indigenous communities each with their own agenda.
• Lack of trust between communities: “In spite of mutual respect and affection, ‘we do not trust one another.’” (Thorson, 154)
• Endangered Species Act can be both a blessing and a curse because it has such a narrow focus, making it an unpopular ally
Socio-Environmental Impacts
Conflicts
Collaboration Conclusions
• First Indigenous People ~8000 B.C. • Peter Skene Ogden Enters Klamath 1826 • First European Settlement 1843 • Homestead Act Passes 1862
• Hunting and fishing rights guaranteed 1864 • Modoc War 1877
• Irrigation Introduced 1882 • Klamath Project Begins 1906 • WWI Vets apply for homesteads 1922 • Klamath Recognition Terminated 1954 • Construction of Klamath Project Ends 1962 • Klamath Recognition Restored 1984 • Klamath Agreement proposes 2010
that water resources be shared
• Studies show removal is necessary 2013
Geographic Context
The Climate Leadership Initiative
U.S. Department of the Interior
Amelia Templeton OPB
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