Why we blew up a dam — and saved a river | Amy Bowers Cordalis
Summary
Indigenous advocate Amy Bowers Cordallis recounts the historic removal of four dams on the Klamath River, the largest such project in U.S. history. She details how her Yurok tribe, alongside an unlikely coalition of farmers, fishermen, and environmentalists, overcame corporate resistance to restore the river and its salmon populations. The episode highlights the economic and ecological benefits of dam removal and shares the Yurok creation story as a guide for living in balance with nature. Cordallis also reflects on the resilience of previous generations and offers practical advice for reco…
Topics discussed
Introduction to Amy Bowers Cordallis and the Klamath dam removal
Yurok creation story and the original instructions
Colonization, dam construction, and the 2002 salmon die-off
Amy's call to action and founding of Ridges to Riffles
Building coalitions and legal strategies for dam removal
The $500M settlement and the physical removal of dams
Rapid river recovery and salmon return
Restoring balance and hope for the future
Interview: Describing the Klamath river landscape
Generational impact on Amy's family and children
Tribute to past generations and the 'bloomers' protest
Lessons in coalition building and indigenous leadership
The business case for dam removal over fish ladders
Valuing nature versus monetizing it
Practical ways to embody indigenous wisdom in daily life
Closing remarks and production credits
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