We recognize we are not this area’s first inhabitants. The Chinook and Cowlitz, among others, possessed a deep connection to the land. They were skilled hunters, gatherers, and fishermen. The Yakama Nation was, and continues to be, a strong advocate for our fishery resource that the Yakama Nation depends on. The bountiful forests, rivers, and lakes have been sustaining Native peoples for centuries.  

The Society understands there is a unique opportunity in Camas to reverse some of the past practices of industry that left portions of the land damaged beyond its original state. We echo the Yakama Nation’s position on the GP Mill site cleanup, in particular, “… the restoration of natural resources impacted by the past, current, and future releases of hazardous waste in order to make the public whole and further tribal Treaty rights.”