Stewarding the Land and Waters of Sn̓x̌ʷn̓tkʷitkʷ (Columbia River)


The twelve bands of the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation have deep cultural and historical ties to Sn̓x̌ʷn̓tkʷitkʷ — the Columbia River — extending from our homeland into Canada. As stewards of this land and water, the Colville Tribal Government and the Environmental Trust Department are committed to protecting the river, its fish, and its beaches for current and future generations.

We are developing a long-term monitoring program to track contamination in fish, water, and beach sediments along the mainstem of the Columbia River — from the U.S.–Canada border to Chief Joseph Dam. This work helps ensure the health of our people, the environment, and the resources that support tribal teachings, values, and subsistence ways of life.

What We’re Monitoring

We are testing for:

  • Metals like mercury, lead, and arsenic

  • Organic pollutants, including:

    • PBDEs (flame retardants found in plastics and foams)

    • PCBs (coolants and lubricants once used in electrical equipment)

    • Dioxins and furans (unintended byproducts from burning and paper bleaching processes)

How You Can Be Involved

We're also creating tools to help keep you informed and involved:

  • An online form to suggest sampling locations

  • Summaries of historic data collected in the area

  • Clear information about health risks based on past studies