Help Us Make a Difference

Restore Federal Recognition to the Chinook Nation

I urge you to come together with your colleagues to collectively introduce and champion the Chinook Restoration Bill, which will restore federal recognition for the Chinook Indian Nation and give a much-needed economic boost to our region. It’s time for you, as an important part of our government, to ensure that the U.S. finally fulfills its promises to the Chinook people.

After more than a century of advocacy, the Chinook Nation obtained federal recognition in 2001. The U.S. government went back on its word when the Bush Administration rescinded this recognition eighteen months later. It is wrong for our government to essentially declare the Chinook nonexistent after their long history of interactions with our citizens, institutions, and agencies.

Lack of recognition has resulted in a humanitarian crisis for the Chinook Nation. Over the last 20 years, the refusal to grant federal recognition has cost the Chinook Nation and surrounding rural communities at least $200 million. They have experienced numerous tragedies in their communities in Washington and Oregon because of their lack of legal protections, access to health care, educational and housing opportunities, and other federal and state resources.

Since 2002, Congress has not taken the necessary actions to reinstate Chinook recognition. Their rural location and lack of a powerful voice means their efforts for recognition have been largely ignored. Let’s finally take the burden off of Chinook by collectively coordinating a Congressional effort to right this wrong.

As a member of Congress, you have the authority to recognize tribes and the power to restore their federal recognition. Federally recognized tribes around Chinook are using their resources to enhance their safety and move critical infrastructure out of harm’s way in preparation for the next megaquake and tsunami. Chinook’s offices, located on an island in Willapa Bay, are highly endangered, and they deserve the same opportunities as their neighbors. Even without recognition, Chinook is already doing important work for the benefit of their members and non-member neighbors.

Again, Chinook restoration will ensure a much-needed economic boost, enhancement of critical resources, and protection of the Pacific Northwest’s environment that can only happen from restoring federal recognition for the Chinook Indian Nation.

Please end our country’s history of attempting to erase the Chinook Nation from its place — they aren’t going anywhere. It’s past time that we honor our commitments and acknowledge the sovereignty of the Chinook Indian Nation.