By Nushin Huq
Between 2 Pines Magazine
The Middle Fork of the Salmon River, located in Central Idaho, is considered a bucket list rafting destination. Its rapids are difficult, the scenery is beautiful, and the trout fishing is great. It lies within a wilderness area that is the largest roadless tract in the lower forty-eight.
The Middle Fork is also part of the ancestral lands of the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes, known as Tukadeka or Sheepeater Shoshones. The Shoshone-Bannock Tribes not only lived near the Middle Fork, but across southern Idaho, Oregon, Nevada, Utah, Montana and Wyoming until they were forcibly removed and put together in one reservation in Southeastern Idaho - far from the river.
Popular depictions of nature, such as the photographs by Ansel Adams, show a wild but humanless landscape, especially in the National Parks. That sets up an inaccurate history- pristine wilderness until settlers come and clear cut forests, overfish rivers, mine minerals, create polluting industry. The narrative takes out indigenous people and their history.
Jessica Matsaw, who is Shoshone-Bannock, wants people to be aware of this history when they enjoy the outdoors. . .