The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs in Oregon’s central plateau comprises the Warm Springs, Wasco and Paiute peoples, who have called this region home since time immemorial. Elke Little Leaf Kirk and Jefferson Green embody the deep ties between Indigenous people and their ancestral lands. Elki, a fly‑fishing guide turned water protector, returned home after personal loss and now fights to safeguard rivers threatened by drought, pollution, and industry. Jefferson, raised in ceremony, survived instability and violence before dedicating himself to language revitalization, working daily with elders to preserve and teach the Warm Springs language. Together, they nurture cultural pride, environmental stewardship, and intergenerational healing within their community.