A Year Later, Northwest Tribes Remain United with Rep. Simpson to Restore the Lower Snake River and Salmon throughout the Columbia Basin
Lapwai, Idaho- Today, Tribal Nations of the Northwest gathered virtually to reflect and reaffirm unity in supporting Idaho Representative Mike Simpson’s Columbia Basin Initiative (CBI). Since the CBI’s release in February 2021, Northwest tribes have advanced key elements: restoring the lower Snake River by breaching the four dams, reintroducing salmon in the Upper Columbia and Upper Snake Basins, making a significant new investment in fish and wildlife restoration throughout the Basin and funding priority salmon actions as part of a comprehensive plan to create a brighter future for the entire Columbia Basin. The CBI also addressees the impacts of dam breaching and the need for mitigating those impacts on agriculture, energy, transportation and business sectors.
Tribal efforts have spanned across the country; supporting resolutions were adopted by Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians and the National Congress of American Indians. Individually, many Tribes have hit the pavement in their local communities to provide direct advocacy as well. Support for a durable solution for salmon recovery continues to grow, and efforts continue on behalf of the rivers, salmon, orca and all the resources that depend on them.
For Tribal Nations, their covenant to protect and speak on behalf of these threatened species remains unwavering.
“I can tell you that people are impressed that the Tribes in the Pacific Northwest are unified and trying to save the salmon; whatever it takes,” Congressman Simpson remarked.
Today’s meeting was attended by Northwest Tribal Nations, staff, tribal organizations, Rep. Simpson and his staff.
###