Present Day
The Chinook nation is not a federally recognized indigenous tribe in the United States and much of the population of Chinook lives in small towns located in Washington State and Oregon. Despite not being federally recognized, many members have fought to obtain federal recognition, which has flip-flopped back and forth for decades.
In 2001, the Chinook nation had gained full recognition from the United States government but shortly after George W. Bush was elected president, that recognition was revoked. To this day, the Chinook nation still has a tough time politically, as they cannot establish a reservation nor can they regain their native fishing rights.
The Chinook have had a long history of attempting to establish some of their native fishing rights, since the Chinook had established their residence along the Columbia River, salmon fishing has become a way of life. It's embedded deeply into their culture.
Despite the disputes with the federal government on becoming a recognized nation, they may in fact cede land and officially establish a reservation, but have not yet signed a treaty to do so; which means automatic recognition once they have indeed signed one.
Climate change tends to be an area of special interest for the Chinooka as many scientists have become aware of the local populations of salmon in the area that have starting to dwindle in size.
In a research thesis by Jordan Zakiria for Sacramento State University, she states that optimal ocean conditions during early life-stages have worsened, and have had a large effect on population longevity. She goes on to say that this will only get worse before it gets better.
As climate change continues to worsen, the populations of fish will continue to get smaller and smaller as those fishing tribes like the Chinooka will lose a large part of their history, culture and tradition.
References:
Mulinix, Damian. "Chinook Ceremony-6." Digital image. Discoverourcoast.com. Accessed November 8, 2018. http://www.discoverourcoast.com/astoria-and-warrenton/21232/#jp-carousel-21235.
Zakaria, Jordan. "Evaluating the Affects of Climate Change on Chinook Salmon Populations of the Pacific Northwest." Master's thesis, Sacramento State University.
In 2001, the Chinook nation had gained full recognition from the United States government but shortly after George W. Bush was elected president, that recognition was revoked. To this day, the Chinook nation still has a tough time politically, as they cannot establish a reservation nor can they regain their native fishing rights.
The Chinook have had a long history of attempting to establish some of their native fishing rights, since the Chinook had established their residence along the Columbia River, salmon fishing has become a way of life. It's embedded deeply into their culture.
Despite the disputes with the federal government on becoming a recognized nation, they may in fact cede land and officially establish a reservation, but have not yet signed a treaty to do so; which means automatic recognition once they have indeed signed one.
Climate change tends to be an area of special interest for the Chinooka as many scientists have become aware of the local populations of salmon in the area that have starting to dwindle in size.
In a research thesis by Jordan Zakiria for Sacramento State University, she states that optimal ocean conditions during early life-stages have worsened, and have had a large effect on population longevity. She goes on to say that this will only get worse before it gets better.
As climate change continues to worsen, the populations of fish will continue to get smaller and smaller as those fishing tribes like the Chinooka will lose a large part of their history, culture and tradition.
References:
Mulinix, Damian. "Chinook Ceremony-6." Digital image. Discoverourcoast.com. Accessed November 8, 2018. http://www.discoverourcoast.com/astoria-and-warrenton/21232/#jp-carousel-21235.
Zakaria, Jordan. "Evaluating the Affects of Climate Change on Chinook Salmon Populations of the Pacific Northwest." Master's thesis, Sacramento State University.
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