H.R. 2576 would restore Federal recognition to the Chinook Nation.
Detailed Summary
Chinook Nation Restoration Act - Extends federal recognition to the Chinook Indian Nation. Makes the Chinook Tribe and its members eligible for all services and benefits provided by the government to federally recognized tribes regardless of the existence of a reservation or the location of residence of any member on or near any Indian reservation. Designates specified counties in Washington and Oregon as the Tribe's service area for delivery of federal services to enrolled members.
Requires the Tribe to: (1) submit to the Secretary of the Interior a membership roll; and (2) conduct, by secret ballot, an election to adopt a constitution and bylaws. Directs the Secretary: (1) if the Tribe transfers all rights to land to the Secretary, to take such land in trust for the Tribe's benefit, subject to restrictions; (2) to negotiate with the tribal governing body regarding establishing a reservation; and (3) to develop a plan for doing so.
Requires the Secretary to: (1) notify and consult with all appropriate state officials and owners of land adjacent to those considered for the proposed reservation; and (2) provide complete information on the proposed plan to such officials. Requires submission of the plan to Congress upon approval by the tribal governing body.
Requires any real property transferred by the Tribe or any member to the Secretary to be held in the name of the United States for the Tribe's benefit. Prohibits the exercise of eminent domain for purposes of acquiring lands for the Tribe's benefit.
Allows and regulates ceremonial hunting and fishing in specified Washington counties.
Status of the Legislation
Latest Major Action: 5/21/2009: Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Points in Favor
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Points Against
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Visitor Comments
Joan Wekell
June 14, 2009, 4:53pm (report abuse)I hope to see this bill pass. The chinook people are still here. They honor the old ways and the language is still among us.The Chinook are an important historical tribe. They where recently honored by the Lewis and Clark bi-Centenniel group. The Chinook tribe was the tribe who showed Lewis and Clark their first historic look at the Pacific Ocean.
Roberta Trotter
June 15, 2009, 4:09pm (report abuse)Restoring the Chinook Nation's Federal recognition is the right thing to do.
Brian Petit
June 15, 2009, 4:38pm (report abuse)The Chinook Nation has worked diligently to provide the necessary documentation for recognition. The Chinook's are a historic tribe in the history of the Pacific NW and should be recognized.
Sharon Foster Bessey
June 15, 2009, 4:49pm (report abuse)May I encourage everyone to vote for this very important bill to pass! There are so many reasons for this to happen -- just the health and education for our people would mean so much in this poor economic age we are a part of. Our people are without jobs and insurance and this bill passing would help us remedy that! For the pride of the Chinook Nation! We have waited so long and have been through so much to see it passed. Please pass this bill before we lose any more of our Elders who have fought so long and hard for this! It is so important!
Brenda Rhoades-Furfiord
June 15, 2009, 4:55pm (report abuse)Through the years I have both marveled and cried upon hearing stories of my Chinook heritage and roots and the abuse my grandmother and great grandmother suffered in attempts to kill the Indian and keep the child. My brothers and I were the last in our line of many generations to grow up in what had been a Chinook village in the Willapa Bay. My children and grandchildren are proud of their heritage which has been handed down in stories and visits to the place they came from and consider their home. It would make my heart leap with joy to have recognition of our ancestors and vision for our children through recognition by the Federal Gov. of the Chinook Indian Nation. Please pass this bill.
Roselyn C. Retzke
June 15, 2009, 4:58pm (report abuse)This is the right time for the Chinook Tribe to be recognized, it has been a long arduous journey, and we have earned the status that we have fought for.
Carmen VanTuyl
June 15, 2009, 5:05pm (report abuse)It is very important for this bill to pass. It has been a long time waiting. The Chinook Nation is a very important part of the history of the Pacific Northwest.
Elizabeth Woody
June 15, 2009, 5:07pm (report abuse)PLease support the Chinook Indian Tribe who have worked diligently and honestly on recognition. Historically they are prominent in our regional and national history.
Nicole Schwartz
June 15, 2009, 5:10pm (report abuse)The Chinook Tribe is a very important piece of American history, the passing of this bill is not only neccessary for the survival of the Chinook people but also to preserve what remains of Native culture in America. Passing this bill is the just thing to do, The Chinook people have the right to be recognized.
Diana Ray
June 15, 2009, 5:36pm (report abuse)Please support the Chinook Restoration bill HR2576. While Chinook people have persevered to keep the culture and heritage of the ancestors alive without recognition, the passing of this bill will bring a welcome closure to the long and costly struggle that several generations of Chinook elders have endured. A leader in the Chinook tribe recently held the talking stick and said, "They say we don't exist, but yet, here we are."
Tom Elliott
June 15, 2009, 5:44pm (report abuse)The Chinook Indians are a part of Washington State history and, as such, their identity (and their culture) should be preserved.
Laurie Wyatt
June 15, 2009, 5:50pm (report abuse)Please support the bill, help right a wrong!
Doug Meyer (Elliott clan)
June 15, 2009, 6:07pm (report abuse)The Chinook Indians were here to help Lewis and Clark through very difficult times.It would be nice if the government would step up and do what is the right thing to do for true native americans.
Pat Ray
June 15, 2009, 6:25pm (report abuse)Please consider the importance f this bill to a tribe that has waited a long time to be recognized. My Grandmother has passed on without seeing this happen, and at 83 I cant wait much longer.....PLEASE DO IT NOW.
Paula
June 15, 2009, 6:26pm (report abuse)Long over due for the U.S. Government to stand up to some of their past mistakes & at least try & make it right. This legislation will keep the Chinook tribe from becoming extinct.
Paula Owens
Charles Funk
June 15, 2009, 6:53pm (report abuse)This bill will not only correct the historical position of the Chinook tribe, but help all of Southwest Washington, a economically depressed area.
Colleen Elliott
June 15, 2009, 7:19pm (report abuse)We do need to be recognized
Barbara J Kemper
June 15, 2009, 7:44pm (report abuse)We need your vote on HB 2576.
The Chinook tribe is well documented in the history of the NW.Passing this bill will give back to the Chinook people what is rightfully thiers.
Sheila Withers
June 15, 2009, 8:36pm (report abuse)We need your vote on HB 2576.
The Chinook Tribe is a very important piece of American history, the passing of this bill is not only neccessary for the survival of the Chinook people but also to preserve what remains of Native culture in America.
Amber Myers
June 15, 2009, 8:38pm (report abuse)Please pass this bill!! This has been a long time coming, make it right!!
Judy Emmick
June 15, 2009, 8:51pm (report abuse)We have been fighting this for years and we deserve the full recognition. NO MORE DELAYS!!!!!!
It's our right.
Katherine Hawks Rohr
June 15, 2009, 9:59pm (report abuse)Please support HB 2576, Recognition restoration for the Chinook Tribe. When we were in grade school we were told that the Chinooks were extinct, we knew that we were NOT. It is past time to take this action, it would have been nice to have this acknowledgement when we were celebrated for helping Lewis & Clark. We would appreciate your support in the passing of this bill. Thank you.
Jerry F. Hanes
June 15, 2009, 9:59pm (report abuse)I am a friend of the Chinook Tribal Nation. I am a non Tribal person who has tried to help the Chinooks in their continual pursuit of Tribal Recognition. It seems that these Native Americans have been kept from recogintion to long. It is time someone played fair with these people. It is my wish they will be treated fairly, and once and for all settle this long time effort to become recognized.
thankyou
Jerry F. Hanes
Jerry F. Hanes
June 15, 2009, 10:02pm (report abuse)GOD BLESS THE PEOPLE OF THE CHINOOK NATION and Please once and for all Recognize these fine Native Amnericans.
Dorothy Reller
June 15, 2009, 10:56pm (report abuse)This bill gives long-overdue recognition to the Chinook tribe, one of the great historic tribes of America, which has made its home along the Columbia River for untold generations past and is still active today. Recognition will make the Chinook people eligible to participatae in federal programs and assistance that are their due.
Janette G. Schamber
June 15, 2009, 10:57pm (report abuse)I am in complete agreement with any tribe members wanting to get this bill passed.
Rebecca Lynn Hemphill
June 15, 2009, 11:02pm (report abuse)This tribe exists, its cultural heritage continues, its oral tradition is being passed down through the generations. This bill remedies a disgraceful lie that the Chinooks are extinct.
Susan Mechals
June 15, 2009, 11:06pm (report abuse)We have had to jump through hoops and given the run around for 20 or more years. We have so many members and they keep saying we are extinct. Hundreds of pages of documents 5 feet tall have been written and sent to Congress to try and get the recognition that is owned to us. 435 people do not have the right to deny our rights. We were here before you. Do the right thing and pass this bill before now.
j karcher
June 15, 2009, 11:33pm (report abuse)The Chinook Nation has a long established history in the Pacific Northwest that was forcibly altered by the federal government, inept officials, and broken agreements. it's time to rectify past errors by officially recognizing this Nation as such.
Stephanie Pine
June 16, 2009, 12:10am (report abuse)Please support HB 2576! The Chinook tribe is well documented in the history of the NW. The Chinook Indians were here to help Lewis and Clark through very difficult times. It would be nice if the government would step up and do the right thing RESTORATION!
William A. Eastland
June 16, 2009, 12:46am (report abuse)Please vote in favor of Bill HR 2576. Restore national recognition to the Chinook Tribe. Now is the time to this. Vote yes.
Jennifer Kaech
June 16, 2009, 1:04am (report abuse)This is the right thing to do..RESTORATION for the CHINOOKS!!
Judith Turner
June 16, 2009, 1:48am (report abuse)I have known all my life of my Chinook heritage. I was surprised to learn that the tribe did not have federal recognition. I believe that restoration of federal recognition is necessary and the right thing to do for the descendants of the people who welcomed the Lewis and Clark Expedition.
John Joseph
June 16, 2009, 1:49am (report abuse)It times the Chinook be restored as a recognized tribe of people who have never been anything else. It has been an incredible injustice not to recognized them and now it the time to right a historic wrong.
Thank You.
Linda & Brian Elliott
June 16, 2009, 2:25am (report abuse)It's about time! Let's get it done!
Natayla Ness
June 16, 2009, 2:52am (report abuse)RESTORATION! This is our time. The chinook are my family, we are loud and proud so lets give our full support.
Penny Petit Harris
June 16, 2009, 3:07am (report abuse)Our Chinook Tribe-Nation has existed since time immemorial. We deserve to have our recognition reinstated. It will be of great benefit to all concerned people
to once again rectify a greivous wrong committed against the Chinook peoples through the removal of our recognition status. Ada Deer a former Secretary of Interior wrote and I quote that "the Chinook Tribe of the State of Washington has never been terminated." The Chinook have never terminated themselves. Kevin Gover agreed that Our recognition needed to be re-established, and did the right thing. I now ask you to do the right thing. Sincerly Penny Petit Harris former Secretary, Treasurer of the Chinook Tribe-Nation
John Eastland
June 16, 2009, 11:42am (report abuse)Recognition of the Chinook tribe is long over due, vote yes.
Pam Hawkins
June 16, 2009, 12:57pm (report abuse)This bill really needs to pass. The Chinook people need to be recognized. Vote yes.1
Mary Schoenfelder
June 16, 2009, 1:34pm (report abuse)Please pass this Bill, it is really important to the Chinook Tribe.
Joe Weber
June 16, 2009, 3:30pm (report abuse)The Chinook tribe has played a pertinant part in the forming of the State of Washington and our country as a whole. Recognized the Chinnok tribe for the insturmental role that it has taken in making our country the great nation it is today.
Pat Courtney Gold
June 16, 2009, 6:39pm (report abuse)The Chinook Nation has a long and powerful history, trading internationally before Lewis and Clark arrived. They helped these early American explorers survive the terrible winter of 1805-6. At long last, it is important that the U.S. Congress recognize the Chinook Nation.
Donald Petit
June 16, 2009, 7:34pm (report abuse)A chance to do the right thing and end the last 150 plus years of persecution and assimilation. Recognition endows a tribe with benefits that enhance its chances for survival, such as a reservation with money for schools, cultural activities, medical care and social services.
Jean and Walt Wakefield
June 16, 2009, 8:32pm (report abuse)The Chinook Nation, long recognized and respected by historians, Pacific Northwest residents, visitors to the region, and even by government in a variety of ways, justly deserves the formal recognition that this bill would belatedly provide.
Kristeen Johnson
June 16, 2009, 9:36pm (report abuse)As an elementary teacher, I hope to be able to tell my students that our government does recognize the significance and existence of the Chinook tribe to our nation. An enormous piece of American history and respect for the people who had a huge impact on the development of our country will be restored with the passing of this bill.
Angela Bowen
June 16, 2009, 11:58pm (report abuse)I support H.R. 2576 and encourage you to support it as well.
The Chinook people have been here for a very, very long time, and it is time they were recognized by the federal government.
Don Smith
June 17, 2009, 12:38am (report abuse)Based on historical record, this should have been done long ago.
Bernard Mullen
June 17, 2009, 11:11am (report abuse)Clearly recognition was given in 2001. We're just waiting for the recognition to be solidified. It's really uplifting to see that this bill has been introduced to do just that. Kudos to all who work so diligently on our behalf
Keith Freeman
June 17, 2009, 12:12pm (report abuse)Vote yes on this bill.The time has come to restore The Chinook tribe to its rightful status as a one of the great historic tribes of America.The Chinook people are a important part of American history.
Janet Adams
June 17, 2009, 1:16pm (report abuse)I hope to see this bill passed as it recognizes the tribe and restores its rightful place in the history of this country. If the Chinook tribe had not assisted Lewis and Clark the expedition of the Corps of Discovery would have failed. These people need to take their rightful place in the United States and notice should be given them in history. The government took away from them what was never the governments to take and it needs to be restored.
Jane Pulliam
June 17, 2009, 6:07pm (report abuse)I encourage you to vote "YES" on this bill. It is a historic opportunity to right the past. Support the Chinook people!
Tammy Davies
June 17, 2009, 10:50pm (report abuse)Support HR2576. It is the right thing to do and this is the right time to do it. We could do so much more for our people with recognized status - the grant opportunities that would be open to us would allow us to really make a difference in our communities. We have talented people among our members - good leaders - good neighbors - give us the most needed tool of all to realize our full potential. Vote YES on HR2576.
Dani Jaye Griffin
June 18, 2009, 5:18am (report abuse)It is so very important that this Bill Passes !,My own mother dreamed of this day,Unfortunatly she has passed without seeing this. but i do believe with all my heart, that she will be rejoicing with The Great Spirit above, when this long awaited recognizeation will come into effect. A hopefull hello to all my family, that i love so dear. Please vote Yes! and may The Great Spirit Bless You All!
PFC Sheely, Kenneth
June 18, 2009, 8:03am (report abuse)This is something that needs to finally pass without rebutal. All you need to do is look in the hystory books to see the tribe was there, they've submitted the correct paperwork, and if you look how many of us have turned around and joined the US military? I'm sure a quick look will reveal a few of us. So why deny something that's been written in ink when we've givin blood willingly?
Alexander Myers
June 18, 2009, 11:15am (report abuse)Support The Chinook Nation! Pass this Bill!
Benjamin Myers
June 18, 2009, 11:20am (report abuse)Please vote yes on this bill! Give the Chinook Nation the recognition we deserve!!
Deborah Disch
June 18, 2009, 1:15pm (report abuse)Restoration of the Chinook tribe is too long overdue.
David Elliott
June 18, 2009, 2:42pm (report abuse)Please support H.R. 2576. The Chinook Tribe continues to exist. We've been fighting this latest bid for recognition for over 20 years. Long enough that many of our elders have passed away. It is past time to right an old wrong.
Robert G Elliott
June 18, 2009, 3:11pm (report abuse)In the past, the Chinook Nation has supported the US, even with their blood. It is time for the US to support the Chinook.
David Harris
June 18, 2009, 4:12pm (report abuse)Thank you, to all of the poeple who gave thier heart and soul to this momentus task for our future and sustainability of our people.My grandfather Paul Petit served on council back in the 1950s.My mother Penny Petit Haris served as secretary of treasure six years.Thanks to everyones hard work.We will stand forever.
Aaron VanTuyl
June 18, 2009, 5:02pm (report abuse)HR 2576 deserves your support, as do the members of the Chinook Tribe. Thanks!
Joe Brignone
June 18, 2009, 10:42pm (report abuse)I am one month shy of 72 years. I have been a proud Chinook all of my life. My Grandmother and Great, Great Grandmother wove Chinook baskets. The Chinook people were the ones who welcomed Lewis and Clark to the Pacific Ocean. The Chinook "Jargon" was the main language used by the early explorers and the tribes to communicate with each other. The Chinook Salmon is named for our tribe. The mighty Chinook winds that roar down the Cascade Mountains are named for our tribe We have a rich heritage and I hope you will see it your way to pass this restoration bill. As I said, I am nearing 72 years and I would like to see my tribe finally get the recognition it so richly deserves. Thank you.
judith l. gordon
June 19, 2009, 11:36pm (report abuse)give the chinooks the recognition they have long deserved. and then gave them back all the rights they have been denied.
Biggs Wainwright
June 20, 2009, 2:12am (report abuse)Please support this bill!!!
Becky Eastland
June 20, 2009, 3:19am (report abuse)Winston Churchill once said, "Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts." - this is the history of the Chinook people. For hundreds of years they have been denied. They have been denied as a nation, denied a culture, and denied of respect. Yet, the courage to continue has been the hallmark cry of this nation. They have continued to fight for their rights as a people. The have continued to watch their beloved Columbia river waste away. First with the large dams upriver that killed off the fish that were a way of life for thousands of years for them; then the chemicals of the industry, and now the progress of pipelines which could cause unprecedented disasters against the brine in their veins--the Columbia estuary. Please help them begin a success that is not final--but the beginning of a nation as it rises from the ashes of American bureaucracy to finally be able to embrace its future by acknowledging the mistake from the past.
Davina Smith
June 21, 2009, 4:45am (report abuse)This bill needs to be passed. Everyone who actually goes to read it knows it should be passed. The Chinook Nation needs everyones support. Please anyone, no matter what Nation or ethnic background you are please support this bill.
Kate Elliott
June 22, 2009, 1:17am (report abuse)The time is now. For generations our ancestors have worked so hard to come to this point. Please support our tribe in re-establishing the recognition we should have never "lost." Hayu Masi.
Kelly Costello
June 22, 2009, 10:39am (report abuse)The Chinook nation supports America. Now is the time for America to return some needed support to the Chinook Nation.
Thank you
Emily Elliott
June 23, 2009, 3:44pm (report abuse)Say Yes to the Chinook Restoration Act. I know I am!!!
dolores turner
June 23, 2009, 5:12pm (report abuse)I hope to see the restoration act passed in my lifetime..and I am 79 years old. It is the right thing to do
Jul in Georgia
June 23, 2009, 11:29pm (report abuse)I would like to see the Fed force the State of Georgia allow the Creek Indian Tribe to return to this state. They were run out on the trailer of tears because gold was found here.
Kathi Lively
June 25, 2009, 2:54am (report abuse)Yes, please vote to support this bill for the Chinook People.
Jodi Nyberg
June 25, 2009, 8:19am (report abuse)Please support this bill. My mother hoped recognition would happen in her lifetime, now im hoping it will happen in mine. Please ensure the continued survival of the Chinook Nation.
Del Thiemann
June 25, 2009, 10:58am (report abuse)please support the chinook people. vote yes.
Tilukum joe
July 5, 2009, 9:49pm (report abuse)saying yes to this bill maybe the right thing to do, But we also need to remember that there is another tribe that needs and deserves the same recognition the Clatsop-Nehalem Confederated tribes of Oregon who is and was the tribe that Lewis and Clark stayed the winter of 1805&06 with and who they gave Ft Clatsop to.
Tilukum Joe
July 5, 2009, 9:52pm (report abuse)I am a chinook was supports the Clatsop-Nehalem Confederated Tribes of Oregon. And I ask all true Chinooks sould support this tribe as well.
Barbie-Danielle DeCarlo
July 14, 2009, 7:04pm (report abuse)Here's what I wrote to congressman McDermott:
The Chinook Nation Restoration Act (H.R. 3084)
Greetings Congressman McDermott,
May this note find you well - in the best of spirits and health! I am writing to ask that you give your deep consideration and - ultimately - your signature of support to The Chinook Nation Restoration Act (H.R. 3084) this Wednesday, July 15th, 2009.
I recognize that you understand the importance of peoples' right to thrive and maintain their culture and its practices. The Chinook people have been here on the Washington Coast for time immemorial. May your vote of justice serve the Chinook Nation well.
I look forward to hearing the good news of the Chinook Nation's status as Federally 'Restored'. Thank you!
Joyfully, Barbie-Danielle DeCarlo
Bill Elliott
July 15, 2009, 3:23pm (report abuse)Please pass the Chinook Nation restoration bill we've been waiting years it will be the right thing to do let us get on with our lives. Thank You
Ross Dettman
July 18, 2009, 11:33pm (report abuse)Please pass the Chinook Nation Restoration Act.
It's long overdue and is simply the decent thing to do.
Joejoe
August 10, 2009, 8:49am (report abuse)The Chinook are an integral part of Washington , the Chinook state.