38th Annual Winter Fishtrap asks the question, what is the West?

By on Thursday, February 6th, 2025 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News

ENTERPRISE – (Release from Fishtrap) Since 1998, Winter Fishtrap has taken on issues that are important to citizens of the West by gathering diverse voices to inspire a greater understanding on a timely theme. This winter’s theme asks the question, “What is the West?” It’s a weekend full of conversations and activities, plus a Saturday night Dutch Oven Cookoff and Best of the West Storytelling Showcase.

What is the West? Is it a territory with distinct borders? An environment or topography? A culture? A myth? Is the West simply a state of mind? These are the conversations people will explore together at Winter Fishtrap, a three-day gathering to help develop a greater understanding of our place, ourselves, and each other.

Winter Fishtrap kicks off Friday, February 14 with an opening night reception and keynote address with award winning author and distinguished educator, Debra Magpie Earling. Debra is a member of the Bitterroot Salish Tribe and was the first Native American director of the University of Montana’s creative writing program. She will inspire attendees to think about the West through the stories we tell about it.

Winter Fishtrap continues on Saturday with a full day of topics and activities beginning with a morning session led by Kathleen Ackley, Executive Director of the Wallowa Land Trust, asking the question, “Who Owns the West?” Panelists include Brian Anderson, District Ranger, USFS, Lisa Collier, Wallowa County Commissioner, Bobbie Conner, Director of Tamástslikt Cultural Institute, Jeff Fields, Program Manager, The Nature Conservancy, and Adam Sowards, Historian and Professor Emeritus, University of Idaho.

Saturday afternoon’s session focuses on the question, “Who Lives and Works in the West?” Curated by Wallowa Resources and moderated by Taylor Sarman, Wallowa Resources Economic Recovery Corp Fellow, guest panelists include Mike Hayward, Wallowa Resources Board of Directors, Liza Jane McAlister, 6 Ranch, and Nic Powers, Winding Waters Medical Clinics CEO.

Saturday night is a celebration of the food, culture, and stories of the West featuring a Dutch Oven Cookoff potluck dinner plus readings from Janie Tippett, Pam Royes and more.

Winter Fishtrap concludes with a conversation on the West from the Indigenous perspective. Moderated by Fishtrap’s Shannon McNerney,panelists include Bobbie Conner, Director of Tamástslikt Cultural Institute, Debra Magpie Earling, University of Montana Emeritus, Kristen Parr, Nez Perce Language Specialist, and Jacy Sohappy, Wallowa Nez Perce Homeland and Crow Shadow’s Institute of Arts.

Winter Fishtrap is sponsored by Winding Waters Clinic, Wallowa County Chamber of Commerce, Eagle Cap Vacation Rentals, Good Groceries, River Street Market, Moonshine Glass Art, and M. Crow. Program partners include Wallowa Resources and The Wallowa Land Trust.

Learn more about Winter Fishtrap and all of Fishtrap’s programs at fishtrap.org

Winter Fishtrap: What is the West?

February 14-16, 2025

Fishtrap – 107 W. Main Street, Enterprise

and online at fishtrap.org

Full Weekend In-Person $165 

Full Weekend Virtual $95

Students 18 and under – Free

Registration options are also available for individual sessions and events

Go to fishtrap.org to save your spot and see the full schedule of events and presenters.

Winter Fishtrap web page: 

https://fishtrap.org/winter-fishtrap-2025