February 14-16, 2025
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 exactly 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 we will explore with Winter Fishtrap, a three-day gathering to help develop a greater understanding of our place, ourselves, and each other.
Friday, February 14
5:30pm – Doors Open
6:00pm – Reception
7:00pm – Opening Night Keynote
What are the Stories We Tell about the West?
Welcome with Shannon McNerney, Fishtrap Executive Director
What are the Stories We Tell about the West? Keynote 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.
Saturday, February 15
8:30am – Doors Open – Coffee – Light Breakfast
9:00am – Morning Topic
Who Owns the West?
A panel discussion moderated by Kathleen Ackley of the Wallowa Land Trust followed by activities and interactive breakout sessions.
Panelists:
Lisa Collier – Wallowa County Commissioner
Bobbie Conner – Director of Tamástslikt Cultural Institute
Jeff Fields – Program Manager, The Nature Conservancy
Adam Sowards – Historian, Professor Emeritus, University of Idaho
Noon – Lunch Break
1:00pm – Afternoon Topic
Who Lives and Works in the West?
A panel discussion moderated by Taylor Sarman, Wallowa Resources Economic Recovery Corp Fellow followed by activities and interactive breakout sessions.
Panelists:
The panelists will explore their personal connections to Wallowa County and share insights on how each of their industries has shaped the county’s economic landscape. Additionally, we will introduce our model of the Stewardship Economy—an economy grounded in the need to responsibly manage both land and community sustainability.
Saturday Night
6:00pm – Dutch Oven Cook Off Dinner and Best of the West Storytelling Showcase with Pam Royes, Janie Tippett, Adam Sowards, and Debra Magpie Earling.
Sunday, February 16
8:30am – Doors Open – Coffee – Light Breakfast
9:00am – Morning Topic
The Indigenous Experience
A panel discussion moderated by Shannon McNerney.
Panelists:
Bobbie Conner, Director of Tamástslikt Cultural Institute
Debra Magpie Earling, Author, Professor Emeritus, University of Montana
Kristen Parr, Nez Perce Language Instructor
Jacy Sohappy, Wallowa Nez Perce Homeland and Crow Shadow’s Institute of Arts.
Times and topics are subject to change.
Virtual: $95/$85 Fishtrapper
Friday reception and keynote in-person: $35/$30 Fishtrapper
Virtual: $20/$17.50 Fishtrapper
Saturday all day in-person (includes Saturday night ticket): $95/$85 Fishtrapper
Virtual (day only): $60/$55 Fishtrapper
Saturday night (in-person only): $15/12.50 Fishtrapper
Sunday: Breakfast and session: $65/$58.50 Fishtrapper
Virtual: $35/31.50 Fishtrapper
Students age 18 + under, free.
Thank you, Winter Fishtrap 2025 Sponsors and Partners!
Sponsor Winter Fishtrap and support clear thinking! Click here to learn more.
Winter Fishtrap is takes place in-person at our headquarters in the historic Bowlby Building in Enterprise, Oregon. Contact The Wallowa County Chamber of Commerce to find lodging options to fit most any budget. Can’t make the trip to Wallowa County? Much of the event will also be available virtually.
About Winter Fishtrap
Winter Fishtrap takes on issues that are important to citizens of the West by gathering diverse voices to inspire a greater understanding on a timely theme. Activities include lectures, panel discussions, break-out workshops, and more.
Over the years, this popular program has explored such topics as “The New Agrarians,” “Dams,” “Fire,” “Down Wind, Down River,” and “Water” among many others. Expect a vibrant exchange of ideas and information while making life-long connections.
