U.S. Government Commits to Support
“Columbia Basin Restoration Initiative”
in Partnership with Six Sovereigns:
A Clear Path Forward for Free-flowing Rivers
What Happened?
On December 14, 2023, the Biden Administration, the Six Sovereigns (the Nez Perce, Warm Springs, Umatilla, and Yakama Tribes, and the states of Oregon and Washington) agreed on a package of actions and commitments that creates a roadmap for recovery of healthy and abundant salmon throughout the Columbia and Snake River Basins, creates a more resilient Northwest in the face of climate change, and provides important steps toward upholding commitments made to Northwest Tribes.
This agreement sets us on a path to rebuild Columbia Basin salmon, honor obligations to Tribes, replace the services of the four lower Snake River dams and breach them.
After decades of listening to tribal partners and using our voices to help decision makers follow a path toward greater environmental justice, Earth Ministry/WA IPL’s coalition of faithful advocates are a part of a monumental sea change in the work to protect NW salmon and honor treaty rights. We support the historic Columbia Basin Restoration Initiative as a culmination of such efforts, carefully created between the federal government, the four tribes, and the states of WA and OR. It is time to see this through with our Congresspeople to ensure our generation leaves healthy and abundant salmon in the Columbia River Basin for the future. So many rivers have rebounded with fish following concerted efforts like these, and now we have a crucial part to play. The news announced yesterday would not be possible without the countless letters, calls, and prayers in action of people of faith and conscience across Washington and beyond.
What now?
Now we need help to continue building momentum towards a just and sustainable future for all who call the Columbia Basin home and our elected officials need to hear from us. Will you join us in urging members of Congress to pledge support for this historic salmon recovery initiative and effectively implement these efforts?
