Quileute Tribe Seeks to Relocate Village on Washington Coast to Avoid Tsunami

Bill (HR 1162) Introduced to House

Images and video: Quileute Tribe

(QUILEUTE RESERVATION, Wash.) - Situated along the Pacific Ocean and bordering the Olympic National Park, the members of the tiny one square mile fishing village are placing their hopes of moving to higher ground on the recently filed Quileute Tsunami Protection legislation (HR 1162) introduced on March 17, 2011 by Congressman Norm Dicks and Senator Maria Cantwell (D).

The Quileute Tribe is utilizing the newly released video to assist in educating the public about the tsunami and flooding dangers facing the tribe.

Chairwoman Bonita Cleveland states, “This video is a very important educational tool for us to share with the public because it shows the urgency and need for the passage of this newly introduced legislation. It will explain the importance of us being able to relocate to higher ground the entire lower village which houses our administrative offices, tribal school, senior center, churches and the US Coast Guard Station that protects Tribal fishermen. It demonstrates the need for the safety of all our tribal members. The only hope the Tribe has to increase the amount of land available for traditional, religious and cultural use, housing and education is for historic Quileute lands held by the federal government to be transferred back to the Tribe.”

The video also shares footage of the Japanese tsunami.

Cleveland said, “Like everyone around the world watching the images on television, it is heart wrenching to see the loss of life and devastation, and the Quileute people's thoughts are with our brothers and sisters in Japan. We continue to send prayers to everyone impacted by this catastrophe. Sadly, it also emphasizes the urgent and immediate need for the Quileute Tribe to move to higher ground, so we are grateful for the introduction of this critical legislation by Congressman Dicks and Senator Cantwell.”

The video provides significant insight into the many years the tribe has devoted to the quest to attain the lands needed to move to higher ground.

Cleveland added, “The introduction of the legislation is just the first step. We need the support of the American public to get this legislation passed. Please watch these videos and share them with your friends and family and then contact your legislators and ask them to support the Quileute Tsunami Protection legislation. The Quileute Tribe is grateful for your support.”