“It provides for us”
June 27, 2024 10:23 AM Subscribe
Pushpum green energy project puts Yakama tribe in a bind.
"Problems arose when the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, the agency in charge of permitting hydro energy projects, offered the Yakama Nation what tribal leaders considered an impossible choice: disclose confidential ceremonial, archaeological and cultural knowledge, or waive the right to consult on whether and how the site is developed.
This put the Yakama Nation in a bind.
Disclosing exactly what made the land sacred risked revealing to outsiders what they treasured most about it. In the past, disclosure of information about everything from food to archaeological sites enabled non-Natives to loot or otherwise desecrate the land."
"The Yakama Nation feared similar outcomes if it fully participated in FERC’s consultation process over the Goldendale development. But there are alternatives. The United Nations recognizes Indigenous peoples’ right to affirmatively consent to development on their sacred lands. A similar model was included in state legislation in Washington three years ago, but Gov. Jay Inslee vetoed it.
The requirements of the consultation process are poorly defined, and state and federal agencies interpret them in a broad range of ways. In the case of Pushpum, critics say that has allowed FERC to overlook tribal concerns. "
"THE CONCERNS OVER FERC’s engagement with the Yakama Nation are part of a wider discussion of U.S. government protections for tribal privacy and cultural resources. Speaking at a tribal energy summit in Tacoma in June 2023, Allyson Brooks, Washington’s state historic preservation officer, said that even though the consent language was vetoed by the governor, state law for protecting confidentiality around tribal cultural properties is still stronger than federal law, which only protects confidentiality if a site is eligible for the National Register of Historic Places.
In Washington, if a tribal historic preservation officer says, “‘X marks the spot; this is sacred,’ we say, ‘OK,’” Brooks declared. "
Disclosing exactly what made the land sacred risked revealing to outsiders what they treasured most about it. In the past, disclosure of information about everything from food to archaeological sites enabled non-Natives to loot or otherwise desecrate the land."
"The Yakama Nation feared similar outcomes if it fully participated in FERC’s consultation process over the Goldendale development. But there are alternatives. The United Nations recognizes Indigenous peoples’ right to affirmatively consent to development on their sacred lands. A similar model was included in state legislation in Washington three years ago, but Gov. Jay Inslee vetoed it.
The requirements of the consultation process are poorly defined, and state and federal agencies interpret them in a broad range of ways. In the case of Pushpum, critics say that has allowed FERC to overlook tribal concerns. "
"THE CONCERNS OVER FERC’s engagement with the Yakama Nation are part of a wider discussion of U.S. government protections for tribal privacy and cultural resources. Speaking at a tribal energy summit in Tacoma in June 2023, Allyson Brooks, Washington’s state historic preservation officer, said that even though the consent language was vetoed by the governor, state law for protecting confidentiality around tribal cultural properties is still stronger than federal law, which only protects confidentiality if a site is eligible for the National Register of Historic Places.
In Washington, if a tribal historic preservation officer says, “‘X marks the spot; this is sacred,’ we say, ‘OK,’” Brooks declared. "
Yes, if the land were part of the Yakama Nation, they absolutely should not be required to explain their objections. However, the Pushpum ridgeline is not part of Yakama Nation. The land is privately owned, but the US government is required, by treaty, to allow Yakama Nation to gather foods from the land, despite any wishes of the current landowner to the contrary. The fact that a previous developer did not honor the confidentiality of Yakama Nation's disclosure about a different project seems like a very reasonable concern on their part. I wish the article had disclosed the identity of the "private owner" — pressuring them might be a way forward.
posted by RichardP at 3:14 PM on June 27 [3 favorites]
posted by RichardP at 3:14 PM on June 27 [3 favorites]
Since time immemorial, the lands of Our People extended in all directions along the Cascade Mountain Range to the Columbia River and beyond. We consider it land given in trust by the Creator to us and a heritage to be held and protected for unborn generations.
http://www.yakamamuseum.com/home-history.php
posted by HearHere at 4:42 PM on June 27 [2 favorites]
http://www.yakamamuseum.com/home-history.php
posted by HearHere at 4:42 PM on June 27 [2 favorites]
The only reason to ask for details is to argue with those details. It’s a tactic of all the worst people.
posted by GenjiandProust at 4:35 AM on June 28 [2 favorites]
posted by GenjiandProust at 4:35 AM on June 28 [2 favorites]
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