Washington Native American Tribes Receive $52 Million for Climate Resilience

Tens of millions of dollars will be apportioned to federal recognized Native American tribes across Washington state to support much-needed climate resiliency projects.

$52 Million Raised

32 tribal nations across Washington state are set to receive tens of millions of dollars funded by a landmark climate law, known as the 2021 Climate Commitment Act.

Developing Climate Resilience Projects

$52 million raised by the law will be distributed across almost every Native American tribe in the state, to help them develop climate resiliency projects that aim to protest against rising sea levels and climate change.

Used for Varying Purposes

The fund will be used in a number of ways depending on the needs of the tribe, but will largely be used to help move settlements further inland and to higher grounds, install solar panels, and restore tribal wetlands. 

Climate Commitment Act

The 2021 Climate Commitment Act requires the state’s largest polluting companies to pay for emission allowances and offsets and uses the payments to fund climate resiliency, equity, and education projects, amongst others. 

32 Tribes Eligible

The 32 tribes eligible for funding include 28 federally recognized tribes located in the states, and 4 other states that possess lands located within the state.

Government Announces Funding

Washington state Gov. Jay Inslee made an appearance at the coastal Quinault Indian Reservation, where he announced the $52 million tribal climate fund. 

Quinault Indian Nation

The Quinault Indian Nation is one of the Washington tribes most threatened by climate change, as their main villages are located right along the Pacific coastline, putting them in danger of coastal flooding, tsunamis, and rising sea levels. 

Relocating Threatened Villages

$13 million will go to the Quinault effort to relocate its two main villages, Taholah and Queets, out of the flooding and tsunami hazard zones. Part of one village is already located below sea level and has experienced significant flooding during storms.

Previously Insufficient Funding

The Quinault tribe has already spent a decade engaging in this relocation process, but the limited funding it has received has been insufficient.

“It’s Very Inspirational”

“The Quinault is a perfect example of two things: people who are threatened by climate change, and people who are willing to do something about it and are confident in our ability to do something about it,” said Inslee. “So when I think about what you’re doing, it’s very inspirational to me.”

Tribe “Incredibly Grateful” for Funding

“We are incredibly grateful for this funding allowing us to take a big step forward in our mission to get our people, our homes and our critical infrastructure out of harm’s way,” said Quinault  Indian Nation President Guy Capoeman in a public statement.

Protecting Their Most Precious Resource

“Funding for a new ‘Generations Building’ is truly a blessing,” he continued. “It will allow us to serve our elders and children, our most precious resource, in a safe space while providing an emergency shelter and operations base when we need to respond to inevitable flooding and other natural disasters that are part of life on the coast.”

Establishing Solar Energy Use

Other tribes, such as the Samish, Spokane, Makah, Tulalip and Swinomish, will receive funding to build solar energy facilities as well as capabilities for more energy security.

Vehicle Electrification

Tribes including the Hoh, Sauk-Suiattle, and Muckleshoot will focus on the electrification of tribal vehicles and charging stations. 

Addressing Basic Needs

The grant will also allow some tribes to address basic needs outside of the direct purview of climate resiliency. 

Weatherizing Homes

For example, the Skokomish Tribe, with reservation land along the Hood Canal, will receive $2.8 million in funding to help weatherize homes that have fallen into disrepair due to low-quality materials and poor building practices.

Enough for Now

The Skokomish still have other infrastructural issues that require funding – such as maintenance of septic systems near flood-heavy areas – but for now, repairing and weatherizing homes is a positive step toward defending against extreme weather.

Prioritizing Needs

“It’d be nice to give everybody a heat pump,” said Tom Strong, Skokomish vice chairman. “But if I’ve got people with collapsed roofs, it’s really hard for me to justify giving someone a heat pump when somebody’s house may be uninhabitable come the fall.”

The Department of Commerce

The funds will be administered by The Department of Commerce through grants, competitive grant funding, and appropriations. 

“Shared Vision of a Clean Energy Future”

“These tribal nations are leaders in green energy and economies, which I’ve seen first-hand in my tours across the state,” said department director Mike Fong. “Their perspectives can enrich the shared vision of a clean energy future that will protect our environment while creating good jobs for generations.”

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Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / Ryanzo W. Perez.