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