LAPUSH — The Quileute tribe has released a video outlining its peril should a tsunami hit the Pacific Coast of Washington state and pleading for support for legislation that would allow the tribe to move to higher ground.
Identical legislation was introduced in both houses of Congress on March 17 that would transfer 772 acres of Olympic National Park land to the Quileute tribe, which lives on a 1-square-mile reservation at the mouth of the Quillayute River on the Pacific Coast.
The legislation would give 280 acres at the south side of the reservation in LaPush to the tribe so that it move its school, elder center, tribal administrative offices and some homes to higher ground.
The legislation also would transfer 492 acres at the northern part of the reservation to resolve a longstanding boundary dispute of more than 50 years with the park, which surrounds the reservation.
The House bill, introduced by U.S. Rep. Norm Dicks, D-Belfair, was referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources. Dicks represents the 6th Congressional District, which includes the North Olympic Peninsula.
The Senate bill, introduced by Sen. Maria Cantwell, D-Mountlake Terrace, was referred to the Committee on Indian Affairs.
Much of the Quileute village is in flood and tsunami zones.
“The village of LaPush lies just above sea level, and the threat of a devastating tsunami is real,” the video says.
“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,” said Bonita Cleveland, tribal chairwoman.
“It will explain the importance of us being able to relocate to higher ground the entire lower village . . .”
The video also shows footage of the Japanese tsunami earlier this month.
“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,” Cleveland said.
“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 Sen. Cantwell.”
The video asks those who watch it to contact members of Congress in support of the legislation.
The video is posted on the Quileute Nation website at www.quileutenation.org and on the tribe’s Youtube page at http://tinyurl.com/662qk2u.
