Paul Wilson

Media

Paul Robert Wolf Wilson is a Klamath and Modoc photographer, storyteller, and river advocate from the Upper Klamath Basin. His work centers on visual sovereignty, land‑based storytelling, and the deep relationships between Indigenous peoples and the waters that sustain them.

Raised in the Klamath Basin, Paul’s photography and environmental work are rooted in the teachings, stories, and landscapes passed down through his family and tribal community. His practice explores memory, place, and the responsibilities Indigenous peoples hold toward their homelands—especially during a time of ecological restoration and historic dam removal on the Klamath River.

Paul co‑founded the Maqlaqs Paddle Club with his sister, Ashia, to break down barriers to paddling access for our tribal community. Paul’s work supports tribal youth in reconnecting with their treaty‑protected homelands and waterways through recreation, cultural education, and environmental stewardship.

Paul is also a LEAD Ambassador for Northwest River Supplies (NRS) and has contributed to global river‑protection efforts, including policy advocacy around dams and endangered rivers. He has participated in international climate and water justice conversations, including advisory work with Water Climate Trust and involvement in UNFCCC COP events.

His photography has been featured in environmental storytelling projects, including coverage of the world’s largest dam removal project on the Klamath River, where his images document the return of salmon and the renewal of cultural relationships with the watershed.

Today, Paul continues to blend art, advocacy, and community leadership—using the lens, the paddle, and the power of story to help restore relationships between people, place, and water.

More about Paul:

Region 10: California-Great Basin, Bureau of Reclamation, KBAO Presents: Impacts of Klamath Dam Removal on Tribal Communities; Paul Wilson

River Warriors: Paul Robert Wolf Wilson, Duct Tape Diaries, NRS

Conversations Around Healing of the Klamath River: Paul Wolf Wilson, University of Oregon

Rivers with Paul Robert Wolf Wilson, Radio Waves: A Podcast about Water, Ruby Rorty

Speech of Storyteller, Photographer, and Youth Organizer

Empowering River Protectors, Public Lands

River Heroes: 4 Organizations Opening Doors for Black & Indigenous Paddlers

The Return of the c’iyalls- waq’li’sii Salmon, Welcome Home!

Inspiring Pride in Place: Telling Stories About Us, From Us

Paul Robert Wolf Wilson Photography Exhibition, University of Oregon

PLAYA Current Residents, Klamath and Modok Storyteller