Sunriver summit focuses on Indigenous knowledge of forest health, responsible use of fire

Inside the Homestead Conference Hall at Sunriver Resort on Wednesday, six Native Americans chanted and drummed at decibel levels so high, the windows shook.

The powerful performance by the Mountain Top Singers of the Paiute-Shoshone Tribe kicked off two days of panel discussions, networking events and cultural celebration for tribal and nontribal guests at a learning summit.

Leaders and youth representatives from 17 tribes in the Pacific Northwest were involved in the event. Participants focused on ways to improve the ecological health of Pacific Northwest forests, mainly with the responsible use of fire.