Nez Perce Tribe Commends Governor Inslee for his continued bold leadership in Washington
Lapwai, ID — Today, the Nez Perce Tribe applauds Washington Governor Jay Inslee and his team for issuing an executive order that reinforces Washington’s ongoing commitment to the Columbia Basin Restoration Initiative (CBRI) and the Resilient Columbia Basin Agreement (RCBA), affirming the State’s dedication to honoring Treaty rights, addressing the salmon crisis in the Columbia and Snake River basins, and to meeting regional energy and decarbonization goals.
The executive order directs Washington state agencies to take prompt, coordinated and transparent actions toward implementing the CBRI and RCBA, recognizing the shared responsibility of restoring salmon and steelhead populations that are vital to the Nez Perce Tribe’s cultural and spiritual well-being.
“Governor Inslee has long been a salmon champion and advocate for our essential life sources. His executive order is a vital step in upholding Treaty rights and advancing collaborative efforts to restore the Columbia Basin,” said Shannon Wheeler, Chairman of the Nez Perce Tribal Executive Committee. “This action is putting Washington’s best foot forward and demonstrates the ongoing commitment to collaboration, restoration, and immediate action.”
The Nez Perce Tribe, along with the states of Washington and Oregon, Yakama, Umatilla, and Warm Springs Tribes—known collectively as the Six Sovereigns—are central partners in the CBRI, a comprehensive plan to restore the Columbia River Basin’s ecosystem, including breaching the four federal dams on the lower Snake River.
“Governor Inslee understands that the status quo is unacceptable, that we must prevent salmon extinction, and we need to make changes to ensure a prosperous northwest. We appreciate the legacy Governor Inslee is leaving and look forward to continuing our collaboration with Governor-Elect Ferguson and the state of Washington, ensuring that this commitment is translated into meaningful and swift action,” concluded Chairman Wheeler.
Background
This historic initiative, supported in part by the federal government through the RCBA, aims to restore wild fish populations to healthy and abundant levels while safeguarding the rights and interests of Tribes. Governor Inslee’s executive order directs Washington state agencies to actively participate in fulfilling these commitments.
The executive order also aligns with the September 2023 Presidential Memorandum, which set forth the federal government’s commitment to restore wild salmon and steelhead, support climate resilience, and ensure a clean and sustainable energy future for the region.