The Coast Salish nation unanimously agreed last summer to work together to address the transport of crude oil shipments, by rail and sea, through their territories.

“We live in a pollution-based economy, and for hundreds of years there have been toxins and pollution dumped into the Salish Sea, poisoning our resources and our people who have called this place home since time immemorial,” said Swinomish chairman Brian Cladoosby.

“We call to action the federal, state and provincial governments to work with us to restore and protect the Salish Sea through trans-boundary science, and reform of law, policy and regulations that balance environmental protection and economic prosperity so we may all continue to call this unique place our home.”

Delegates at the Coast Salish Gathering endorsed the work of tribes to protect their environment, natural resources, culture, sacred places and economic sustainability as the first people of their territories.

Lummi neighbours fight coal shipments

“Tribes across the nation and world are facing challenges from corporations that are set on development at any cost to our communities… We’re taking a united stand against corporate interests that interfere with our treaty-protected rights.”

That was Tim Ballew II, chairman of the Lummi Indian Business Council, as quoted in the US newspaper Indian Country Today speaking in Washington D.C. in December.

Brian Cladoosby

Leaders from Lummi and other nations have long supported Tsleil-Wauauth Nation and its ongoing battle to prevent the expansion of the Trans Mountain pipeline from Alberta to tankers in Burrard Inlet. And Coast Salish nations were on the front lines when their US neighbours protested coal trains and increased tanker traffic through northern Puget Sound.

Ballew was in Washington D.C. with other Lummi leaders and members along with Coast Salish neighbours including Tulalip, Swinomish, Quinault, Lower Elwha Klallam, Yakama, Hoopa Valley, Nooksack last Thursday in Washington, D.C. They were there to express concerns about the proposed coal terminal and train railway for Cherry Point, Washington.