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
Kathy Henry
August 14, 2009, 3:35pm (report abuse)The Chinook Tribe will always be a Tribe. In spirit, this Tribe has and will always exist. Recognition of something that has not gone away and will always be part of our history should not be a topic of debate. Recognition is the only right thing to do...please support the recognition of the Chinook Tribe.
Marlene Sohol Hanson
August 20, 2009, 4:05pm (report abuse)I can remember travelling to the Chinnok Nation meeting with my mother now deceased. I was only 10 or 11 years old and was very proud to be part of this tribe. These meeting we held in the early 50"s with my Uncle Nick Elliot as Chairman. Please restore this tribe to their full benefits as it has been a long time coming. Thank you>
Patricia M Jones -Welling
September 28, 2009, 7:53am (report abuse)Please do what is right for the Chinook. They have always worked very hard to be recognized,by many proud efforts to assist in the history of native america,firstly by assisted Lewis and Clark to arrive in the lower colunbia river and alll the many efforts our people made proudly.Please give our people of the chinook what is rightfully ours.