[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 102 (Monday, July 11, 2011)]
[Senate]
[Page S4482]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         COLUMBIA RIVER TREATY

  Mr. WYDEN. Mr. President, I ask the Senate to join me in 
acknowledging the 15 Columbia River Basin tribes' involvement in the 
Columbia River Treaty negotiation and review process. As some of you 
may know, the Columbia River Treaty is an agreement between Canada and 
the United States on the development and operation of the major 
hydroelectric dams in the Columbia River Basin. It addresses power and 
flood control benefits in both countries. The treaty has been in effect 
since 1964. Under the provisions of the existing treaty, if either 
country wishes to modify or cancel the treaty, it must notify the other 
country by the year 2014.
  With 2014 approaching, the United States and Canadian treaty 
``entities'' have already begun talks regarding a possible extension 
and modification of the treaty. The Columbia River Treaty review team 
has designated representatives from 15 Columbia River tribes, also 
known as the Sovereign Review Team, SRT. The Columbia Basin tribes have 
vital cultural and natural resources at stake since their homelands are 
located in the area affected by the treaty and, as sovereign units of 
government and members of the Sovereign Review Team, SRT--they have a 
right to play an important role in those negotiations. It is important 
to recognize the unique fishing rights for salmon that will have to be 
taken into account during any negotiations of this treaty with our 
neighbors to the north. The outcome of these negotiations could have a 
profound impact on the Northwestern United States.
  I really appreciate one of the designated tribal representatives from 
Oregon, the Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission, for their 
continuous involvement. I also appreciate the other members of the 
Sovereign Review Team. The tribes and folks from the Pacific Northwest 
all share a common desire for proactive approaches in salmon 
restoration and recovery, and it is important to come together with 
shared strengths, joint efforts and coordinated education strategies.
  Unfortunately, the Columbia River Treaty was enacted during a time in 
our history when consideration was not given to the treaty's effects on 
the natural and cultural resources of tribes/first nations whose 
homelands are located within the Columbia River Basin. Lack of previous 
dialogue and inclusion of tribal perspectives has disrupted regional 
and tribal interests by leading to the degradation of rivers, the 
salmon population, traditional food sources, natural resources, and 
tribal customs and identities.
  The Columbia River Treaty Review provides an opportunity for the 
United States to include Columbia Basin tribes in the treaty review 
process. I want to emphasize the importance of tribal consultation and 
incorporation of traditional knowledge in this process--to ensure 
protection and conservation of the numerous natural resources that 
tribal people's way of life are dependent on.
  The treaty review provides an opportunity to discuss and learn ways 
to strengthen both the government-to-government relationship that 
exists between the United States and the individual Indian nations as 
well as the U.S.'s position relative to Canada. This can lead the U.S. 
to advance its relationship with 15 additional sovereigns. I have 
enjoyed working with tribes on a number of important issues; I value 
our continued friendship and look forward to working together in the 
future. I am proud to support the 15 Columbia River Basin tribes in 
their efforts to stand alongside the United States in negotiations of 
the Columbia River Treaty and stand ready to assist in any way I can.

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