Klamath

The Klamath are a Native American people who traditionally inhabited an area spanning south-central Oregon and northern California. They shared linguistic and cultural similarities with the neighboring Modoc tribe, with both groups considered Plateau Indians, though influenced by cultures from California and the Pacific Northwest. The Klamath primarily subsisted on fishing and hunting waterfowl, while also gathering roots, seeds, and berries. Their traditional territory was rich in lakes, rivers, and marshes.

Historically, the Klamath lived in autonomous villages and utilized semisubterranean lodges during winter and simpler dwellings in summer. Their spiritual beliefs centered on guardian spirits. In the mid-20th century, the U.S. government terminated federal recognition for the Klamath reservation, leading to the sale of their lands. While federal recognition was restored in 1986, their ancestral lands were not returned. The Klamath River, a significant feature of their traditional territory, has undergone a major dam removal project aimed at restoring fish populations, particularly Chinook salmon, which were impacted by hydroelectric dams built in the early 20th century.123