Chinook Indian Nation and Necanicum Watershed Council Celebrate Momentous Partnership

SEASIDE, OREGON — This past weekend, representatives from the Chinook Indian Nation and the Necanicum Watershed Council stood together to sign a historic Memorandum of Agreement, establishing a foundation for future collaborative efforts in land stewardship.

The Necanicum Basin has been nurtured by the Clatsop peoples of the Chinook Nation since time immemorial. Recognizing that the land is intrinsically tied to the Chinook's rich culture, this Memorandum of Agreement has marked the beginning  of a long-term partnership in restoration efforts and community planning between the Necanicum Watershed Council and the Chinook Indian Nation. This historic Memorandum of Agreement is one of the first of its kind in that it guarantees the Chinook Indian Nation two seats on the Board and ensures that Indigenous voices are heard throughout the policy making decision. 

The Agreement signifies a profound step toward collaborative land and cultural stewardship. For the Chinook Indian Nation, it means an acknowledgment of their ancestral territories and status as a sovereign nation, a leadership role in conservation, restoration, and outreach efforts, as well as representation in Necanicum Watershed Council's governance. For the Necanicum Watershed Council, it represents a renewed dedication to indigenous-led conservation efforts, a commitment to community education about Chinook heritage, and an organizational priority to work closely with the Chinook in shaping the future of land and water stewardship.

“The Memorandum of Agreement signifies more than a formal agreement; it’s the product of our collective efforts to uplift our connection to this land for over 10,000 years since our creation in our territory. Through continuous dialogue and mutual understanding with the Necanicum Watershed Council, we’ve fostered a partnership that sets a new standard for organizations and Indigenous tribes aiming to protect and enhance habitats everywhere,” said Chinook Indian Nation Secretary Treasurer Rachel Cushman. 

Ahead of the signing,  acclaimed writer and historian Donna Sinclair moderated a storytelling session between Chairman Tony Johnson and Secretary Treasurer Rachel Cushman. The pair told the story of the Chinook Indian Nation’s ongoing fight for federal recognition – a fight that makes this collaboration especially unique. The Chinook Indian Nation constitution, now 72 years old, a testament to their long-standing governance and traditions.

The Chinook Indian Nation was federally recognized in 2001 under the Clinton Administration, only for that recognition to be rescinded 18 months later in 2002, forcing the Chinook to go without resources and benefits available to federally recognized tribes. The Necanicum Watershed Council’s recognition of traditional knowledge serves as a lesson in recognizing and valuing Indigenous contributions to United States’ history, regardless of recognition status.

For a closer look into the partnership between the Chinook Indian Nation and the Necanicum Watershed Council, view the trailer for 'Guardians of the Waters', an upcoming documentary on their historic collaboration. If you are interested in viewing a recording of the storytelling session, please contact [email protected]. 

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About the Chinook Indian Nation

The Chinook Indian Nation is made up of the five western-most Chinookan speaking tribes at the mouth of the Columbia River. The Chinook Indian Nation’s nearly 70-year-old constitution identifies their five constituent tribes – the Clatsop and Cathlamet (Kathlamet) of present-day Oregon and the Lower Chinook, Wahkiakum (Waukikum) and Willapa (Weelappa) of what is now Washington State. 

About the Necanicum Watershed Council 

The Necanicum Watershed Council is a community based nonprofit organization in Seaside, Oregon. As one of more than 60 watershed council organizations, the Necanicum Watershed Council works with community members, government agencies, local businesses, and organizations to build an ecologically and economically fruitful future for its communities. With a focus on ecological restoration, conservation education, and community collaboration, the council maintains nearly 56,000 acres of land in the Necanicum Basin. For more information, visit https://www.necanicumwatershed.org.