Salmon Camp Hosted on the Nez Perce Tribe’s Reservation

This year, the Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission (CRITFC) is hosting Salmon Camp, July 28th through August 1st, on the Nez Perce reservation. Twenty-five middle school students in grades 6–7 participate in this camp every summer. The following CRITFC tribes rotate hosting the camp on their reservations: Nez Perce, Warm Springs, Yakama, and Umatilla.

On July 29th, they toured the Dworshak National Fish Hatchery, near Orofino, ID, and the Nez Perce Tribal Hatchery, near Lenore, ID. The kids learned the process of how the Hatcheries raise the Fish, from eggs to adults, to be released into the rivers. Recently, the Nez Perce Tribal Fish Hatchery transferred their fish to acclimation sites. This is a place for them to get used to the elements and grow. Then, they will be released and the cycle will repeat.

The Salmon Camp for 2025 almost didn’t happen due to unexpected planning challenges, so the Nez Perce Tribe is especially proud to be hosting it this week. Thankfully, CRITFC members stepped up to ensure that the annual camp continues. Touring the Hatcheries was only one day’s worth of events. For the rest of the week, the kids will have a jam-packed schedule filled with more fun learning.

To learn more about the CRITFC Salmon Camp visit:

https://critfc.org/for-kids-home/salmon-camp/