Educational Media Reviews Online

Unconquering the Last Frontier documents how mistakes of the past can be corrected in the north end of the Olympic Peninsula. The beauty of this region is well expressed through stunning photography. The title is derived from the book Conquering the Last Frontier written by Thomas T. Aldwell, one of the major developers of the Port Angeles, Washington region. The history of development along the Elwha River is well documented through visual narrative and personal histories, then contrasted with the negative effects upon the natural resources and Native People.

The Klallam tribes of Northwestern Washington State suffered a tremendous loss when two dams were built on the Elwha River. Those losses are clearly defined and described in this film. Many people recognize the past errors in land management as shown by statements from a diverse group of citizens and agencies supporting removal of the dams. The film also shows testimony at public hearings and voice-overs of those who want to maintain the status quo.

The most damaging effect of the dams was to prevent anadromous salmon from returning to their spawning grounds. The federal license for the first dam required that fish passage be provided. That requirement was overlooked/ignored by state fish and wildlife commissioners during dam construction. A hatchery was built at the base of the dam in an attempt to get around federal requirements but it was poorly managed and ineffective in restoring salmon.

Much of the tribe's recent history is described by tribal members and through the use of stills. The Klallam people never forgot the once-rich salmon resource and are fighting hard to regain it. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission has denied the renewal of operating permits and the deconstruction of the dams are slated to begin in 2004.

Despite the fact that many promises made to Native American people by the federal government have been broken, this film should inspire other tribes to pursue reclamation of their lost resources. Its best audience would be tribal leaders but should also interest historians, land use planners, federal and state resource managers as well as hydrologists, watershed councils and fisheries agencies. Students of anthropology, sociology, fish science and ethics would also benefit from watching this film.