Rep. Brian Baird (D-Washington) introduced the Nation Restoration Act on Thursday.

The bill extends federal recognition to the Chinook Nation of Washington. The tribe's ancestors helped explorers Lewis and Clark on their expedition to the Northwest over 200 years ago.

"It's time to finally do the right thing, and grant the tribe the recognition they've been waiting more than 150 years for," Baird said in a press release. "The time for talk is now over, now is the time for action."

The bill prevents the tribe from asserting fishing and hunting rights. The tribe agreed not to pursue any land claims on private property.

The tribe nearly won recognition during the Clinton administration. But after reviewing the case, the Bush administration said the tribe didn't meet all the criteria for federal status.

The bill is H.R.2576.

Get the Story:
Congressman tries a different approach to secure recognition for Chinook nation (The Daily Astorian 5/22)
Bill would give Chinook tribe federal recognition (The Oregonian 5/22)

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Editorial: Move quickly on Chinook recognition (1/29)