Tribal members on a canoe. Photo from Clatsop-Nehalem Tribe

The Clatsop-Nehalem Tribe of Oregon is seeking federal recognition through an act of Congress.

H.R.5215, the Clatsop-Nehalem Restoration Act, was introduced on July 28. It restores the tribe to recognition by rescinding a 1954 termination act that applied to tribes in Oregon, including the Clatsop and the Nehalem.

“The Clatsop-Nehalem people are an important part of Oregon’s cultural history,” Rep. Suzanne Bonamici (D-Oregon), the sponsor of the bill, said in a statement, The Chinook Observer reported. “They carry a strong sense of pride in their unique culture, and a deep commitment to their homeland on the North Coast. It is an honor to work on legislation to provide federal recognition to the Clatsop-Nehalem Confederated Tribes.”

The bill was referred to the House Subcommittee on Indian and Alaska Native Affairs. A hearing has not been scheduled.

Get the Story:
Clatsop-Nehalem Tribe begins fight for formal federal recognition (The Chinook Observer 8/20)
Clatsop-Nehalem Tribes Seek Federal Recognition (Oregon Public Broadcasting 8/18)