Hydroelectric dams .

Hydroelectric dams .

A large hydroelectric dam built in the 1950s and 60s created a one million acre impoundment, and it has been a major means of both producing electricity and flood control for many decades. In early spring each year, the water level above the dam is lowered to allow a reservoir for upstream snow melt and runoff later released downstream in a controlled fashion. This annual event has drawn no notice until this past spring, when a Native American tribe whose reservation borders on the impoundment came forward to claim that an ancient burial ground had been revealed less than a mile above the dam when the water level was lowered. To them, this was sacred ground and disturbing the bones of their ancestors was tantamount to desecration. Citing both 19th century treaty agreements and contracts with the U.S. government at the time the dam was built concerning the sanctity of holy grounds, the tribe insists that the burial grounds cannot be submerged again and that the water level must be maintained at its present, lower level. They also say that their culture does not permit the removal and reburial of the remains and that the federal government has recognized the rights of Native Americans to protect their holy places. Anthropologists have surveyed the site and report that indeed it is an ancient burial ground, but that the people may be from a much older group than those presently claiming ancestry.

There are a number of problems presented. One, with no reservoir to hold snowmelt and runoff, there is likely to be major flooding downstream. Second, the lower level will mean less hydroelectric productive potential, and third, the lower water level will have a major impact on the recreation industry all along the impoundment apart from the reservation. Can this situation be resolved, and if so, how? Are we dealing with a cultural issue or one of race/ethnicity? How do the factors of economics and political power enter into the matter? Create a plan to bring this situation to resolution.

 
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