Beyond Salmon: Biocultural Restoration on the Central Oregon Coast

94 pages. Committee chair: Chris EnrightIn a time of environmental uncertainties, restoration efforts are charged with the complicated task of creating environmental resilience in the wake of issues like climate change, sea-level rise, and the loss of species and habitat. This project looks to Biocultural Restoration and the Traditional Ecological Knowledge of the Confederated Tribes of the Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians, and their experiences within environmental restoration and management practices today. Using a literature review and semi-structured interviews, four categories for changes, and a set of practice principles were developed that could inform future restoration efforts on the Central Oregon Coast or elsewhere. This research was conducted with the understanding that indigenous peoples are experts of their own culture and realities. Drawing insight and inspiration from the experiences and cultural practices of the Hanis and Miluk Coos, Quiich [Lower Umpqua], and Sha'yuushtl'a [Siuslaw] peoples and their centuries of place-based knowledge, this research is intended to provide a lens through which to view the environmental world, illuminating a unique perspective on humanenvironmental relationships and reciprocity. Through this research, I intend to show the importance Biocultural Restoration and Traditional Ecological Knowledge can have in modern restoration and the critical role indigenous peoples play in the management of their ancestral lands. Furthermore, this research may offer insight into the potential for collaborative work between Tribes and other environmental management entities