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Washington, D.C.- The
Indian Nation that once gave comfort to Lewis and Clark is finally
about to see that favor returned. Since 1851, the Chinook people have
been seeking recognition from the Federal Government. Today they are
closer to success, thanks in large part to the work of Congressman
Brian Baird (D-WA-03) who introduced the Chinook Nation Restoration
Act. When passed, it will provide the Chinook with rights and
privileges enjoyed by other Native American tribes recognized by the
United States Government.
"While we can't change the past,
we can change the future," said Congressman Baird. "This bill will
ensure the Chinook are finally treated fairly. This is about fixing an
injustice; it is simply the right thing to do."
Under the terms
of the Chinook Nation Restoration Act, the tribe has agreed to give up
fishing and hunting rights, except for ceremonial ones. Tribal members
will still be able to fish and hunt as other Washington citizens can;
however, they will have no special hunting and fishing rights.
The
tribe has also agreed to renounce any claim to land that is currently
privately owned, although tribal members are free to pursue its
purchase if the current owner is willing to sell. In exchange, the
Chinook Nation will become eligible for federal funding establish a
reservation, improve healthcare and housing resources, and gain access
to services through the Indian Health Services and Bureau of Indian
Affairs.
"Today is a day more than 150 years in the making,
and I'm honored to do my part to help right a century and a half of
injustice," added Congressman Brian Baird. "The Chinook People have
agreed to a remarkable compromise, and in return, all the federal
government has to do is agree to the obvious: that the Chinook Nation
exists and that it should be recognized."
Tribal leaders met
in mid July, and voted almost unanimously to accept the terms set out
by Congressman Baird in the Chinook Nation Restoration Act.
"My
grandmother spoke of a day like today as one of her dreams, someday
soon I will get to tell my nieces and nephews about this day as a part
of our history," said Ray Gardner, Chairman of the Chinook Tribal
Council. "We've waited a long time, we've come a long way, and while
this is still only the end of the beginning, it's exciting to see the
finish line in sight."
The Chinook have been tantalizingly
close to the finish line before. In addition to the unsigned 1851
treaty, they also suffered a near miss during the Clinton
Administration. In 2001 the tribe filed a petition with the Branch of
the Federal Acknowledgement of the Bureau of Indian Affairs; it was
approved late in the Clinton Administration, but quickly rescinded by
the Bush Administration before the process could be completed.
"If
patience is in fact a virtue, then the Chinook People have more virtue
than they know what to do with," concluded Congressman Baird. "It's
time to finally do the right thing, and grant the tribe the recognition
they've been waiting more than 150 years for. The time for talk is now
over, now is the time for action."
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