Finally Undammed: Indigenous Kayakers Become First to Paddle Complete Klamath River

The Klamath River has been dammed up for 100 years. But thanks to the work of conservation organizations and activists, one by one, the Iron Gate, Copco 1 and 2, and J.C. Boyle dams have come down, and the river has begun to flow freely.

For the first time in a century, it’s continuous and uninhibited from its Keno, Ore., headwaters, to the Pacific Ocean. And a group of Indigenous kids got to be the first kayakers to run its length.

The Paddle Tribal Waters Academy is a partnership between Rios to Rivers and World Class Academy. It brings Indigenous youth together to learn about the ecology, science, and history of rivers like the Klamath. And, of course, to paddle along their waters. These kids travel the world with their kayaks in tow.

Paddle Tribal Waters Academy follows this group of young paddlers as they become the first kayakers in 100 years to ride the undammed Klamath River from its headwaters to the sea.

Runtime: 4:07 minutes