Much of our understanding about the earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and floods that shaped the geology of the Pacific Northwest comes from Western scientists. But those records almost always overlook the oral traditions of Native American tribes who witnessed those events.

An exhibit at the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry in Portland looks at the eruption of Mount Mazama, the Ice Age floods and other geological events through the perspective of the Nez Perce and other Columbia Basin tribes. “Heads & Hearts: Seeing the Landscape through Nez Perce Eyes” is on display through Feb. 16.

Geologists Roger Amerman and Ellen Bishop created the exhibit, which originally appeared at the Josephy Center for Arts & Culture in Joseph, Oregon. They join us to talk about how Native oral traditions can — and should — inform modern science.

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News Source : https://www.opb.org/article/2026/02/13/think-out-loud-pacific-northwest-nez-perce-omsi/