The River’s Voice: Randy Lewis on History, Salmon, and Renewal

On 10-3-25 Randy Lewis and Aaron Naumman gave a talk at the Winthrop Barn titled Dams and the Impacts on Salmon - Weaving Indigenous and Western Knowledge. At least that was how it was billed! It started off with an introduction by David LaFever, director of the Methow Valley Interpretive Center, and then Arnold Cleveland, a Wenatchi/p’squosa tribal member graced the stage with some with some significant thoughts and a flute prayer. Randy Lewis is a member of the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation of the Wenatchi/p’squosa, Methow and Okanagan bands. Randy is a storyteller, teacher, civil rights organizer and historian. Randy took the stage and proceeded to deliver a chilling, riveting, humorous, and intimate look into his own past as well as tracing a broader historical perspective from the Native view. A view that is at times uncomfortable to hear and has been all to often brushed aside or forgotten due to Cultural silencing. Aaron Graciously deferred his portion of the evening to Randy, who was on a roll! Deep Gratitude to Arnold, Aaron, Randy, the Methow Valley Interpretive Center and all who made this evening possible.Methow Valley Interpretive Center Websitehttps://www.methowvalleyinterpretivecenter.org/ Get full access to Byron Odion at byronodion821766.substack.com/subscribe