The Yakama Nation of Washington is asking tribal members to consider reopening a long-running claim over fishing rights on the Columbia River.

An 1855 treaty secured the tribe's right to fish. But the federal government created the Dulles Dam in the 1950s that destroyed prime fishing sites along the river.

The tribe fought the dam and ended up settling for $15 million. But tribal leaders say the agreement didn't take into account the loss of salmon caused by the dam and have called a meeting to hear what tribal members have to say.

In preparation for a lawsuit, the tribe has asked the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to account for the number of juvenile salmon that have died in the last 50 years and how much power and revenue the Dulles Dam has generated.

Get the Story:
Yakamas want compensation for lost salmon (The Yakima Herald-Republic 7/3)

Relevant Links:
Columbia Inter-Tribal Fish Commission - http://www.critfc.org

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