Theses and Dissertations Collection

The Pacific Lamprey, Nez Perce people usually call them eel, are almost extinct in Nez Perce Reservation due to the dams that block their ways to traditional spawning areas. The Pacific Lamprey have their ecological significance in Colombia River Basin and cultural significance in Nez Perce society. However, its significance has not been fully recognized outside Native American societies. The extinction of Pacific Lamprey will surely bring negative ecological and cultural impacts, although we still have no idea what exactly they are. Through the research with Nez Perce people, this article will try to present the meanings of Pacific Lampreys to the local ecosystem and culture, as well as their potential economic values. As shown in the title, this research also includes “other regions”, and it is from an outsider’s (my) perspective. Therefore, this study is comparative: by the comparison, it is going to tell people that the sharp decrease of lamprey population is caused by a same main reason; lamprey is treated as good food resource in many regions around the world; and Nez Perce people’s attitude toward nature is very different from what I learned and experienced in the past. This article also want present how an outsider participates in Native American storytelling and build connection with Native American people and knowledge.