Healing the Big River

Thirteen years ago he embarked on a self-assignment to tell the story of the Columbia River Treaty between the U.S and Canada, and its impact on first nations, tribes, and salmon along the entire 1,250 Columbia River. The original treaty in 1964 excluded participation and input from indigenous communities. The end result of this labor of love was the independently produced photo essay book, Healing The Big River – Salmon Dreams and the Columbia River Treaty. Peter invited leaders from first nations, tribes, and salmon restoration advocates to contribute powerful guest essays about their connection to the river, their hopes for a modernized treaty (now being re-negotiated), and their hopes to see one of the greatest salmon runs that ever existed on the planet restored, from the ocean to the headwaters near Canal Flats BC. The Grand Coulee Dam in eastern WA State has blocked the salmon returning home to the headwaters.

Peter Marbach has been a professional photographer for 25 years, published 6 photo essay books, and had previous assignment work with numerous conservation groups, U.S Forest Service, and outdoor travel editorial work. In October 2014, Peter was featured in an episode of Oregon Field Guide. His current professional focus is as a visual storyteller using his photography to address important environmental and indigenous justice issues.