fbpx
facebook app symbol  twitter  linkedin  instagram 1
 

The Makah Indian Tribe of Northwest coastal Washington just received a nearly $300K boon from the federal government to bolster its climate change readiness with ocean mapping.

On April 1, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) announced the $288,000 federal funding grant to the nation as part of a larger grant from the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. 

Never miss Indian Country’s biggest stories and breaking news. Sign up to get our reporting sent straight to your inbox every weekday morning. 

The grant to the nation will build on the tribe’s prior ocean data and mapping support work while also focusing on tribal data sovereignty, outreach to and education for the next generation of Makah resource managers, and a focus on ocean climate change and ocean energy data and research needs, according to NOAA.

Makah Tribal chairman Timothy Greene said in a statement that the funding will allow the tribe to better manage its ocean resources and develop climate change solutions. 

“It’s no secret that the climate crisis has a huge impact on communities along our coast, and in particular, our Tribal partners,” said Rep. Kilmer (D-WA). “This funding will empower the Makah Tribe to continue to implement critical ocean mapping that will enhance their capacity to protect both the environment and their culture. We must continue to support regional ocean partnerships like that of the Makah Tribe and the West Coast Ocean Alliance to pave the way for a more sustainable future for Indian County and our coastal communities. I am proud to support these efforts and remain committed to advocating for the resources necessary to uphold the federal government’s responsibility to Native nations.”

U.S. Representative Derek Kilmer of Washington, who supported the funding, said that supporting projects like the Makah Tribe’s mapping project is necessary “to pave the way for a more sustainable future for Indian County and our coastal communities.”

“It’s no secret that the climate crisis has a huge impact on communities along our coast, and in particular, our Tribal partners,” he said.

More Stories Like This

Public Wants Indigenous Knowledge to Manage Bears Ears National Monument
Seldovia Village Tribe Becomes First in Alaska to Get Tsunami Preparedness Certification
DOI Announces $120 Million Funding Opportunity for Tribal Climate Resilience
Seneca Nation Sues City for More than 450,000 Gallons of Wastewater Overflow
Department of Interior Rejects Ambler Access Project in Alaska

Join us in observing 100 years of Native American citizenship. On June 2, 1924, President Calvin Coolidge signed the Indian Citizenship Act, granting Native Americans US citizenship, a pivotal moment in their quest for equality. This year marks its centennial, inspiring our special project, "Heritage Unbound: Native American Citizenship at 100," observing their journey with stories of resilience, struggle, and triumph. Your donations fuel initiatives like these, ensuring our coverage and projects honoring Native American heritage thrive. Your donations fuel initiatives like these, ensuring our coverage and projects honoring Native American heritage thrive.

About The Author
Native News Online Staff
Author: Native News Online StaffEmail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Native News Online is one of the most-read publications covering Indian Country and the news that matters to American Indians, Alaska Natives and other Indigenous people. Reach out to us at [email protected].