Rep. Brian Baird (D-Washington) announced a bill to extend federal recognition to the Chinook Nation of Washington.

The tribe's ancestors welcomed Lewis and Clark to the Pacific Northwest 200 years ago. Attempts to gain federal status since 1851 resulted in rejection by the Bush administration in July 2002.

“While we can’t change the past, we can change the future,” Baird said in a press release. “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 Chinook Nation Restoration Act, the tribe will give up its fishing and hunting rights as well as any land claims.

Get the Story:
Rep. Baird backs tribal status for Chinook (The Columbian 8/1)

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