Chinook Indian Nation

Despite the decision by the U.S. Supreme Court, the Chinook Indian Nation vows to continue the over a century-long fight and is looking to Congress for the next steps.

The Chinook Indian Nation of Southwest Washington has been trying to get federal recognition from the U.S. government since the mid-90s.

A Washington state task force voted to recommend the return of land at a former youth detention facility to the Chinook Indian Nation. Washington Gov. Jay Inslee and the fiscal committees of the legislature will review the task force report in June and make a decision.

Members of the Chinook Indian Nation rallied Monday on the steps of a federal building in Seattle to raise awareness for their long fight to get federal recognition. Federal recognition would mean access to federal dollars for healthcare and housing for this group of tribes, which are based in Southwestern Washington, particularly Pacific County.