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

Biden-Harris Administration Finalizes Protections for the Pactola Reservoir—Rapid Creek Watershed
NCAI calls on Congress to Protect Indigenous Sacred Sites from Mining
TIME Magazine Names Gila River Indian Community Leader to Its "2024 Time100 Climate” List
Navajo President Buu Nygren Says Remediation Fund, Cleanup of Sites is Solution to Contamination
Record Numbers of Steelhead Return to the Deschutes River, Heralding Progress in Long-term Fish Reintroduction Effort

Can we take a minute to talk about tribal sovereignty?

Sovereignty isn't just a concept – it's the foundation of Native nations' right to govern, protect our lands, and preserve our cultures. Every story we publish strengthens tribal sovereignty.

Unlike mainstream media, we center Indigenous voices and report directly from Native communities. When we cover land rights, water protection, or tribal governance, we're not just sharing news – we're documenting our living history and defending our future.

Our journalism is powered by readers, not shareholders. If you believe in the importance of Native-led media in protecting tribal sovereignty, consider supporting our work today. 

Right now, your support goes twice as far. Thanks to a generous $35,000 matching fund, every dollar you give during December 2024 will be doubled to protect sovereignty and amplify Native voices.

No paywalls. No corporate owners. Just independent, Indigenous journalism.

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].