WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Brian Baird called on fellow members of Congress Wednesday to quickly pass legislation that will finally restore federal recognition to the Chinook Nation.

Baird, whose district includes Pacific County, Wash., testified before the House Natural Resources Committee in favor of his bill, as did tribal Chairman Ray Gardner.

They and supporters of the recognition believe it is owed, in part, because of the way the tribe saved the lives of Lewis and Clark’s party in 1804-5.

“This is an opportunity to do something extraordinary, by restoring justice and righting a historical wrong,” said Baird. “The Chinook people deserve restoration of their status as a fully recognized tribe. It is within our power to make that right a reality, and we should do so.”

Under the terms of the Chinook Nation Restoration Act, 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, beyond certain limited ceremonial occasions.

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 to establish a reservation, improve healthcare and housing resources, and gain access to services through the Indian Health Services and Bureau of Indian Affairs. 

“The story of the Northwest cannot be told without the Chinook,” said Baird.  “There is absolutely no doubt that the Chinook people have an uninterrupted history as a tribe. It is time for the U.S. government to agree to the obvious, and restore their tribal rights.”

The Chinook have been close to the finish line before. In 2001, the tribe filed a petition with the Office of 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Acknowledgement of the Bureau of Indian Affairs; it was approved late in the Clinton Administration, but quickly rescinded by the Bush Administration before the process could be completed. 

“The Chinook people have worked and waited for decades. They have shown incredible patience because they’ve always known their cause is just; now it’s time for us to give them the justice they deserve. The time for waiting is over,”?said Baird.