- Details
- By Native News Online Staff
The Samish Indian Nation announced its Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has passed the one-million pounds of debris in its efforts to clean up the waters and shoreline of Skagit County, Island County, Whatcom County and the San Juan Islands. The tribe said earlier this week 1,095,534 pounds of man-made toxins and objects, including creosote-treated wood, waterborne plastics, tires, derelict boats and more. have been removed from the water and shoreline.
“Our culture is directly tied to the environment around us, and preserving the land and water of the Salish Sea honors our ancestors and future generations alike,” Samish Indian Nation Chairman Tom Wooten said.. “The work the Samish DNR is doing preserves our cultural identity. Without the water and life within it, we have nothing.”
Since 2004, the cleanup of debris in the Puget Sound region has been a focal point of the WADNR's Restoration Program. Initially concentrated in the North Sound, this endeavor has now expanded to encompass regions throughout the Puget Sound.
The tribe’s DNR marine cleanup operations were conducted in collaboration with various entities, including the Washington Department of Natural Resources (WADNR), Washington Conservation Corps, Veterans Conservation Corps, and EarthCorps. The partnership between the Samish DNR and WADNR, established in 2014, has been instrumental in the cleanup efforts, with the Samish DNR providing landing crafts and manpower annually.
“Samish DNR focuses on preserving, protecting and restoring natural resources important to Samish Tribal Citizens for now and future generations,” said Matt Castle, Manager of Samish Department of Natural Resources. “The Samish DNR remains committed to the ongoing removal of debris from Samish Traditional Territory to ensure the Samish people and neighboring communities will be able to utilize the natural resources of the Salish Sea for years to come.”
Chairman Wooten reiterated the enduring commitment of the Samish people to stewarding their land and waters, ensuring a better environment for generations to come.
The collaborative efforts of Samish DNR, the Washington Conservation Corps, and WADNR will resume cleanup activities from June through August, utilizing the MyCoast app to document all marine debris collected. The public is encouraged to participate by downloading the app and reporting any sightings of marine debris, with all information gathered being shared with the Samish and Washington State DNRs.
This ongoing project will continue annually, contingent upon funding availability.
More Stories Like This
NCAI calls on Congress to Protect Indigenous Sacred Sites from MiningTIME 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
National Park Service Issues Landmark Order for Tribal Consultations
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.
