Un-dammed: Reflections on Art, Education, and Restoration of the Elwha River With Jamie Valadez, Eirik Johnson, and Langdon Cook

In 2011, the removal of the Elwha River Dam began after decades of tribal activism and an act of Congress. The dam, constructed in 1910, wreaked havoc on the ecosystem and violated the treaty rights of the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe. Since the removal of the Elwha River Dam and the nearby Glines Canyon Dam, the waters and land of this region have come back to life, salmon numbers have been steadily increasing, and important cultural sites of the Klallam people have been unearthed. What is there to learn from this historical moment of change? What led to this moment and what has followed?

Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe educator Jamie Valadez, artist Eirik Johnson, and writer Langdon Cook will share perspectives based on their years of involvement with the landscape, wildlife, and people affected by the shifting life of the Elwha River, both before and after the removal of these dams.

Taking place in the lower level galleries in the exhibition The Time. The Place. Contemporary Art from the Collection, these experts will share their experiences as they relate to each of their fields in art, writing, food, and education. Together, we will investigate the successes and lessons learned from this historic project.