Students from Yakama Nation Tribal School recently traveled to the John Day Dam region of Nchi-Wana for a hands-on learning experience centered around one of the region’s oldest and most important cultural traditions - salmon fishing.
The trip provided students with the opportunity to spend the day on the river trying their luck at catching salmon while deepening their connection to the land, water, and one another. Surrounded by the natural beauty of the Columbia River region, students were able to learn through experience while reflecting on the cultural significance of fishing within the Yakama Nation community.
The experience also highlighted the important role of traditional ecological knowledge and stewardship. Students were guided and supported by staff from Yakama Nation Fisheries, who shared their expertise, stories, and knowledge with students throughout the day.
School staff expressed gratitude to Yakama Nation Fisheries for mentoring students and helping create a meaningful and memorable experience that blended science, culture, and tradition in a powerful way.
Experiences like this help students strengthen cultural connections, build relationships, and gain a deeper understanding of the traditions that have shaped the region and its people for generations.
Posted May 15, 2026
Yakama Nation Tribal School is an equal-opportunity employer, except as provided under the Indian Preference Act. Yakama Nation Tribal School complies with all applicable federal and state rules and regulations and does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups.
The following employees have been designated to receive questions and complaints of alleged discrimination:
Student Civil Rights Coordinator: Maria Diaz - [email protected]
Title IX Coordinator: Joseph Leary – [email protected]
504 Coordinator: Nora Sehnert – nora_sehnert@@yakama.com
Yakama Nation Tribal School 111 Linden St., Toppenish, WA. 98948, 509-865-5121.