At the end of October, Idaho Conservation League’s salmon team had the honor of attending the R.U.N. in Unity Convening in Portland, Oregon. From the start, I was inspired by the energy that comes from people coming together to talk, listen, share, and build a movement.
At R.U.N. in Unity, I had the honor of moderating a panel that was composed of young, indigenous women from across the west. Hearing young people speak so passionately about their experiences, connections to rivers, and their visions for the future reminded me of the power that youth leaders hold. I have also had the honor of traveling to Washington, D.C. with some of the young women on this panel, and hearing them speak about their experiences and the ways that they were impacted by those trips was incredibly special.
Some attendees of the conference joined from the Columbia Basin, still fighting for the day that our home rivers run free. Others joined from the Klamath River Basin, celebrating salmon returning for the first time in generations or sharing their experiences paddling the newly revived Klamath River. However, the youth panelists also reminded us that with two dams still in place, the work on the Klamath isn’t finished. Being in a room full of people who were lifting each other up, no matter where they are in this journey, was deeply inspiring. We are all part of the same movement to restore rivers, reclaim connection, and shape the future.
For me, one of the most powerful moments was hearing Indigenous women leading work on the Bears Ears, Klamath, Elwha, and Pebble Mine campaigns reminded us how essential Indigenous leadership is to conservation. Their stories were not centered on challenges; they were about resilience, wisdom, and a deep connection to community. For work here in Idaho, in the fight for a free-flowing Snake River, those stories were heard loud and clear. Change happens when we listen, collaborate, and honor shared values.
What stood out most to me was the sense of community in the room. Youth voices, Indigenous voices, advocates and activists shared ideas, hope, and strategy. The convening served as a timely reminder that real power lies in connection and learning from one another—and that together, we can restore the Snake River and bring home Idaho’s salmon.
To the young leaders who trusted me with their stories, and to everyone who showed up to share their perspectives or to listen, thank you. You reminded me that change isn’t something that we hope for—it is something that we work for. As I returned to Idaho, I carried with me a renewed sense of purpose, and hope that the rivers that we fight for will flow free.