The Makah Indian Tribe in Northwest coastal Washington has been awarded a significant grant of nearly 0,000 from the federal government to enhance its climate change preparedness through ocean mapping.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) recently announced the funding as part of a larger grant from the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. This grant aims to build on the tribe’s existing work in ocean data and mapping while also focusing on tribal data sovereignty, educating the next generation of Makah resource managers, and addressing ocean climate change and energy research needs.
Makah Tribal Chairman, Timothy Greene, expressed gratitude for the funding, stating that it will enable the tribe to effectively manage their ocean resources and develop solutions to combat climate change impacts. Representative Derek Kilmer of Washington, who supported the funding, emphasized the importance of supporting projects like the Makah Tribe’s mapping initiative to create a more sustainable future for coastal communities and Indigenous peoples.
This funding will not only empower the Makah Tribe to continue their crucial ocean mapping work but also strengthen their capacity to protect the environment and preserve their cultural heritage. The efforts of the tribe, alongside partnerships like the West Coast Ocean Alliance, are essential in navigating the challenges posed by the climate crisis along the coast.
By investing in initiatives like the Makah Tribe’s ocean mapping project, we are taking a step towards a more sustainable future for Indian Country and coastal communities. It is crucial to support and advocate for resources that uphold the federal government’s responsibilities to Native nations in the face of the climate crisis.
