175 years in, Chinook Indian Nation is still fighting for federal recognition

Published on: 08/26/2026

This news was posted by Oregon Today News

Description

The Chinook Indian Nation represents five Chinookan bands whose ancestral homelands are at the mouth of the Columbia River, where Chinookan peoples have lived for thousands of years. Chinook drummers warm their drums over a fire before performing at the Tansy Point gathering. Salmon is smoked over the fire at Tansy Point, adding a traditional food to the day’s commemoration and community meal. A couple hundred Chinook Indian Nation members and supporters gathered for the commemoration to share stories, songs and a meal together. At Tansy Point, Chinook people gathered on Aug. 15 to honor the ancestors, histories and homelands that continue to shape the Chinook Indian Nation. A tribal member takes part in a dance during the Chinook Indian Nation’s Aug. 15 commemoration at Tansy Point. Chinook Indian Nation Secretary-Treasurer Rachel Cushman addresses tribal members at Tansy Point. Former Chinook Indian Nation Chairman Gary Johnson talks with Scott Seiler before the Tansy Point gathering. Representatives and members of other tribes attended the Tansy Point gathering as witnesses to the Chinook Indian Nation’s treaty commemoration. The Chinook Indian Nation has spent decades seeking federal recognition, including a 2001 decision that recognized the tribe before that recognition was rescinded 18 months later. Copies of the 1851 treaties negotiated at Tansy Point were displayed during the Aug. 15 gathering marking the 175th anniversary of the treaty negotiations.

In 2001 Gary Johnson celebrated a win that his tribe, the Chinook Indian Nation, had spent decades fighting for: federal recognition. Then, 18 months later, the government took it away.

News Source : https://www.oregonlive.com/native-american-news/2026/08/we-will-get-it-done-175-years-in-chinook-indian-nation-is-still-fighting-for-federal-recognition.html

Other Related News

Hazardous materials emergency prompts evacuations in Estacada

08/26/2026

A Level 3 go now evacuation has been issued for parts of Estacada due to a hazardous mater...

U.S. Mint now selling 250th anniversary Constitution quarters: Here’s the price

08/26/2026

After releasing a special 250th-anniversary quarter honoring the Constitution to the publi...

The first Oregon City Pride made national news. What happened next is the real story

08/26/2026

When Oregon City hosted its first Pride celebration in 2023 national attention focused on ...

Federal judge removes major legal obstacle to Trump mail voting order, with more challenges likely

08/26/2026

A federal judge has lifted an injunction against President Trumps executive order limiting...

Dolly Parton special airing on NBC Wednesday night

08/26/2026

Description

Other Related News

A Level 3 go now evacuation has been issued for parts of Estacada due to a hazardous mater...

After releasing a special 250th-anniversary quarter honoring the Constitution to the publi...

When Oregon City hosted its first Pride celebration in 2023 national attention focused on ...

A federal judge has lifted an injunction against President Trumps executive order limiting...

NBC will honor Dolly Partons legacy with a special celebrating her impactful career and in...

Support

Legal

Follow

Download Our App