Should dams be used as giant batteries? A predicted 68% decrease in spring runoff throughout the Columbia River basin in the Pacific Northwest sent rates skyrocketing in a region of the United States that has traditionally enjoyed low power rates due to an extensive network of hydroelectric projects, and Government subsides. Federal and state officials scramble to deal with the crisis which was caused in part by the near record low runoff, and in part by the decade long slow down of non-hydro power construction to address the squeeze at least in the short term, dam managers decided to sacrifice the quietest least vocal constituents, salmon. Salmon saving measures were paused and reservoirs were emptied in hopes of avoiding rolling blackouts throughout the Northwest, while environmentalists and other salmon lovers protested NON were more concerned than regional tribes. “Salmon did not create the current crisis and the river cannot continue to be run on their backs”; said Antoine Mentorn, Chairman of the Confedered Tribes of the Umatilla Reservation at a 2001 Energy Conference in Portland.
The Black Hills Powwow is just a few days away, the Summit Arena at the Monument will be alive with dance and drum. Grand entry begins at 7PM Friday evening beginning with an arena blessing by, Dr. Gerald Yellow Hawk. Steven Yellow Hawk is powwow president of the Black Hills Powwow Board, Dew Bad Warrior-Ganje from Cheyenne River is Vice President.
