Lesson Plan - A Historic Journey

Watch the Video
Before reading, watch the video “Paddling Into History.” Discuss: Why is the Klamath River so important to Native groups in the area?

Preview Words to Know
Project the online vocabulary slideshow and introduce the Words to Know.

• sacred
• ancestors

Set a Purpose for Reading
As students read, have them think about how dams have affected people who live near the Klamath River.

1. Based on the article, why wouldn’t this journey have been possible a few years ago?
This journey would not have been possible a few years ago because until recently, dams had blocked the river. Most of those dams were removed by the end of 2024.
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2. What does Keeya Wiki mean when she says that “the Klamath River is our ancestor”?
When Keeya Wiki says that “the Klamath River is our ancestor,” she means that the Yurok have long considered the river to be like a family member.  As Keeya states, “A lot of our culture is rooted in the health and well-being of the river.”
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3. What effects did dams in the Klamath River have on salmon?
The dams in the Klamath River kept salmon from reaching many of the streams where they lay eggs. The dams also warmed the water, which allowed diseases to spread among the salmon. The salmon population fell.
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Featured Skill: Paired Texts
Use the skill builder “A Yurok Tradition” to explore an ancient ceremony celebrating the spring salmon run. Read the passage as a class, then have students work in pairs to answer the questions. Explain that salmon are still a vital part of Yurok culture today.
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