04.02.09

Cantwell: It Is Our Trust Responsibility to Help the Hoh Tribe Move To Higher Ground

Hoh Indian Tribe Safe Homelands Act Would Transfer 37 Acres of Federal Land to the Hoh Tribe

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, during an U.S. Senate Indian Affairs Committee, Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) discussed the need to pass the Hoh Indian Tribe Safe Homelands Act, which would transfer approximately 37 acres of land owned by the National Park Service to the tribe, and would take land the tribe has purchased or had transferred to it into trust. Senator Cantwell co-sponsored the legislation introduced by Senator Patty Murray (D-WA).
 
“Year after year, the Hoh Tribe must battle Mother Nature as ocean waters threaten to wash away their homes and tribal buildings," said Senator Cantwell. "These native peoples deserve to live in a place where sandbags aren't the norm, and it is our trust responsibility to take action. Transferring the ownership of a piece of federal land should never be taken lightly, but in this unique situation, we are in the position to help these people rest a little easier. In fact, during the hearing members of the Hoh Tribe told us that they expected flooding this weekend. This is not something that can wait much longer. ”
 
The Hoh Tribe occupies a one square mile reservation on the banks of the Hoh river where it meets the Pacific Ocean in Washington state. 90 percent of the reservation now sits in a flood plain and 100 percent of the land they live on sits within a Tsunami zone. The reservation’s acreage has been reduced over the years due to flood and storm events. 
[Cantwell’s Opening Statement, as prepared for delivery follows below]
 
“Mr. Chairman, thank you for moving to consider the Hoh Indian Tribe Safe Homelands Act so quickly.
 
“The situation facing the Hoh Tribe is dangerous and desperate, so it is important that we move as fast as we can on this bill. 
 
“I also want to thank the Vice Chair of the Hoh Tribe, Jonette Reyes (Jone-ette Rays) for making the long trip from the other Washington, and for her willingness to testify on such short notice about this important piece of legislation. 
 
“It is vital to hear directly from the Tribe about the conditions they face. 
 
“Since 1893, The Hoh Tribe has occupied a one-square-mile reservation on the banks of the Hoh River where it meets the Pacific Ocean in Washington state. 
 
“While this location may sound picturesque, the fact is that that the reservation is bordered by: an ever-changing river, the unpredictable Pacific Ocean, and the Olympic National Park
 
“This severely limits the Tribe’s ability to get out of harm’s way if necessary. 
 
“Due to repeated storms, heavy rain, and the movement of the Hoh River by a half of a mile, the Tribe’s village is continually threatened with flooding during the winter months. 
 
“In fact, areas near the reservation can receive over 100 inches of rain a year.
 
“90 percent of the reservation now sits in a flood plain and 100 percent of their land sits within a tsunami zone.
 
“Many of the buildings located on the existing reservation are permanently sandbagged due to the threat of flooding. And, many houses have been lost to the river over the last 10 years. 
 
“Year after year, the Hoh Tribe must battle Mother Nature as ocean waters threaten to wash away their homes and tribal buildings.
 
“These native peoples deserve to live in a place where sandbags aren't the norm, and it is our trust responsibility to take action.
 
“Transferring the ownership of a 36 acre piece of federal land should never be taken lightly, but in this unique situation, we are in the position to help these people rest a little easier.
 
“By transferring this land to the Tribe and taking land the Tribe already owns into trust, the Tribe will be able to move out of danger… and breathe a much-needed sigh of relief.
 
“Over 20 individuals and groups are supporting this legislation including: the Governor of Washington, Christine Gregoire; all of the local House and Senate office holders; the Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians; and the National Congress of American Indians.
 
“I look forward to working with you to schedule a quick markup for this legislation, so we can help this group of people that we have a responsibility to help.
 
“Thank you.”
 
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