WASHINGTON, D.C.-A signing ceremony for the historic agreement between the Biden Administration and the Six Sovereigns was held on Friday, Feb. 23. at the White House.
The agreement concerning salmon, climate, energy and Tribal justice in the Columbia River Basin was announced on Dec. 14 of 2023.
The agreement signed today is a 10-year partnership between the Federal Government with Tribes and states from the Pacific Northwest, with the ultimate goal of restoring wild salmon, expanding clean energy and ensuring energy stability, according to a White House fact sheet.
In addition to restoring salmon runs and providing energy, the agreement will also help to provide stability for communities that depend on the Columbia River System for agriculture, energy, recreation, and transportation, according to a press release from the Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission.
Biden Administration Officials, representatives from the Federal Agencies involved and the Six Sovereigns spoke at the signing ceremony.
The Six Sovereigns are comprised of the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation, Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs, Nez Perce Tribe, the State of Oregon and the state of Washington.
