by Tony A. (naschio) Johnson, chairman of the Chinook Indian Nation

The federal government has proclaimed Indigenous Peoples’ Day to recognize the inherent sovereignty of Tribal Nations and to uphold treaty obligations. This long-overdue recognition and celebration of Native cultures is critically important, but for tribes like ours — the Chinook Indian Nation — this day is also a reminder of the ongoing injustice being committed against our people by the federal government of the United States. We have recently redoubled our long-standing efforts by inviting leaders from Washington and Oregon — U.S. Sens. Patty Murray (D-WA), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Ron Wyden (D-OR), and Jeff Merkley (D-OR) — to correct a 20-plus-year injustice by introducing and championing to completion legislation that restores federal recognition for the Chinook Indian Nation. In meetings with the U.S. senators, we continue to hear clear support for our cause, but every day of inaction is another day of injustice for our people, and it’s past time for these leaders to take the lead and take a stand for #ChinookJustice.