SENATE RESOLUTION
8690
By Senators J. Wilson, Boehnke, Christian, Hasegawa, Holy, Lovelett, Lovick, Nobles, Wellman, and Dhingra
WHEREAS, The ancestral homeland of the Chinook Tribal Nation lies along the lower Columbia river and Pacific coast of southwest Washington state, and the area remains a center of culture and community for tribal members; and
WHEREAS, The traditional Chinook territories throughout southwest Washington encompass lands and waterways crucial to the history and development of the Pacific Northwest, and which remain central to our identity as a state today; and
WHEREAS, The Chinook tribes controlled trading networks and the transportation corridor at the mouth of the Columbia during the period of European exploration. They engaged in peaceful trade with visiting sailing vessels, and provided assistance that proved crucial to the survival of Merriwether Lewis, William Clark, and their party as they wintered near Astoria in 1805 and 1806; and
WHEREAS, The Chinook people have been a force for peace in the region, gaining influence through diplomacy and relationship building rather than through conflict, violence, and conquest; and
WHEREAS, The civic life of the Chinook Tribal Nation has been guided by principles that include alliance building, cooperation, and cultural exchange; and
WHEREAS, The Chinook Tribal Nation continues to live by its core values of peace, respect and collaboration, strengthening our communities, informing our governance, and making meaningful contributions to our society as a whole; and
WHEREAS, The Chinook Tribal Nation is a valued component of the southwest Washington community, strengthening the social fabric and well-being of the region through its presence; and
WHEREAS, The enduring presence of the Chinook Tribal Nation demonstrates its resilience, strength, and purpose;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington state Senate recognize the importance of the Chinook Tribal Nation in the development of our region, and its present day contribution to the civic, cultural, and economic life of the state of Washington.