The Columbia River Treaty represents a crucial collaboration between the US and Canada toward river flow management, both for hydroelectricity production and flood control. In recent years of treaty renegotiation, EM/WA IPL has collaborated with The Columbia River Treaty Non-Governmental Organization Caucus to forefront the regional value and responsibility to recover salmon and prioritize tribal communities whose traditional territories and foods center around the river.
The “Agreement In Principle” highlights four specific areas:
- Hydropower and transmission grid connectivity
- Flood risk management to protect the United States downstream
- Indigenous inclusion and ecosystem health
- Supporting a healthy salmon population
The inclusion of Indigenous wisdom and ecosystem health in the Biden Administration Fact Sheet as a primary function of the treaty is a promising sign. However, public communications from the White House are still prioritizing flood management and energy needs as the main progress in this “Agreement in Principle.” For this reason, we will continue to pressure our elected officials to finalize the Columbia River Treaty with greater focus on the health of the over all river, fish as a key regional priority for food traditions and cultural survival, and the prioritization of the whole ecosystem.
We honor traditional lifeways and recreational activities along the river that help us to feel more connected to each other. We honor the wisdom from indigenous solidarity movements that water is not only a source or part of life; water is life.
You can read the full The Columbia River Treaty Non-Governmental Organization Caucus Press Release below, including the quote from Earth Ministry/WA IPL’s Executive Director, Rev. AC Churchill.