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MAY 22, 2001

The Yakama Nation of Washington recently sent the Bonneville Power Administration a bill for $32,000 to pay for the costs of two ceremonies the tribe says helped bring rain to the dry Pacific Northwest.

But BPA, reponsible for selling electricity from four federal dams, isn't going to pay the bill. Tribal council member Randy Settler had discussed possible ceremonies with an agency official and was apparently told a formal proposal was needed.

The BPA says it never received a proposal, though. Tribal members, however, went ahead and conducted two ceremonies in March, which they say contributed to recent rains.

A third was canceled after BPA refused to pay the bill.

Get the Story:
BPA says funding well is dry for Yakama rain dances (AP 5/22)

Relevant Links:
Bonneville Power Administration - http://www.bpa.gov