A Comparative Study of Yakama Nation and Selah, Washington Residents’ Sense of Place
Document Type
Oral Presentation
Campus where you would like to present
SURC Ballroom A
Start Date
17-5-2012
End Date
17-5-2012
Abstract
Flowing from the Cascade Mountains to the Columbia River, the Yakima River is a source of significant meaning for many eastern Washington communities. The river travels approximately 215 miles through private, state, federal and tribal lands. Previous modifications, such as dams and diversions for irrigation and flood control, have had significant impacts on not only the physical features of the river, but to the communities connected to the river. Research suggests that changes such as these can have a profound impact on peoples’ perceptions of those landscapes. These perceptions, also known as sense of place, often determine how resources are used and managed. Often these perceptions are subjective to the individuals and cultures connected to the landscape. This research evaluates key stakeholders’ sense of place of the Yakima River in order to gain a snapshot of current perspectives that will aid in tailoring future resource management policies. In using a survey approach to interview key stakeholders, this research will evaluate the connections between people and the Yakima River. Specifically, this research will compare Yakama Nation tribal members’ sense of place with Selah community members’ sense of place.
Recommended Citation
Johnson, Kelsey, "A Comparative Study of Yakama Nation and Selah, Washington Residents’ Sense of Place" (2012). Symposium Of University Research and Creative Expression (SOURCE). 69.
https://digitalcommons.cwu.edu/source/2012/posters/69
Poster Number
30
Additional Mentoring Department
Anthropology
A Comparative Study of Yakama Nation and Selah, Washington Residents’ Sense of Place
SURC Ballroom A
Flowing from the Cascade Mountains to the Columbia River, the Yakima River is a source of significant meaning for many eastern Washington communities. The river travels approximately 215 miles through private, state, federal and tribal lands. Previous modifications, such as dams and diversions for irrigation and flood control, have had significant impacts on not only the physical features of the river, but to the communities connected to the river. Research suggests that changes such as these can have a profound impact on peoples’ perceptions of those landscapes. These perceptions, also known as sense of place, often determine how resources are used and managed. Often these perceptions are subjective to the individuals and cultures connected to the landscape. This research evaluates key stakeholders’ sense of place of the Yakima River in order to gain a snapshot of current perspectives that will aid in tailoring future resource management policies. In using a survey approach to interview key stakeholders, this research will evaluate the connections between people and the Yakima River. Specifically, this research will compare Yakama Nation tribal members’ sense of place with Selah community members’ sense of place.
Faculty Mentor(s)
Kathleen Barlow