Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission

Portland, Oregon, 97232 United States

Mission Statement

The Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission coordinates management policy and provides fisheries technical services for the Yakama, Warm Springs, Umatilla, and Nez Perce tribes. This mission is accomplished with four primary goals: 1. Put Fish Back in the Rivers and Protect Watersheds Where Fish Live CRITFC provides our four member tribes and the region with invaluable biological research, fisheries management, hydrology, and other science to support the protection and restoration of Columbia River Basin salmon, lamprey, and sturgeon. The vision of this goal is to reverse the decline of salmon, lamprey, and sturgeon and rebuild their numbers to full productivity. This work is guided by the holistic principles outlined in Wy-Kan-Ush-Mi Wa-Kish-Wit (Spirit of the Salmon), the tribal salmon plan that addresses recommended restoration actions in every phase of the salmon’s lifecycle from stream to ocean and back. 2. Protect Tribal Treaty Fishing Rights CRITFC employs lawyers, policy analysts, and fisheries enforcement officers who work to ensure that tribal treaty rights are protected. All of these activities are done in careful coordination with and under the direction of member tribes. The commission works closely with state and federal agencies to ensure fair harvest sharing between tribal and non-tribal fisheries. 3. Share Salmon Culture CRITFC shares news, information, and the tribal perspective on a variety of issues. Common topics include salmon and lamprey restoration, the nature of treaty fishing rights, and tribal culture. This effort ranges from school children to policy makers. By educating the general public on these topics, the tribes hope to increase interest for productive partnerships and support in the effort to restore Columbia River Basin salmon and lamprey. 4. Provide Fisher Services CRITFC provides a variety of services directly to fishers from its member tribes. The Salmon Marketing program provides fishers from the four member tribes with resources to help them carry on the tradition of making a living from fishing, whether that be from commercial, over-the-bank, or value-added fish sales. The organization also operates and maintains 31 fishing access sites along the Columbia River for the exclusive or near-exclusive use of the fishers from all the member tribes. CRITFC’s mission is “to ensure a unified voice in the overall management of the fishery resources, and as managers, to protect reserved treaty rights through the exercise of the inherent sovereign powers of the tribes.”

About This Cause

The Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission is an organization formed in 1977 by the Yakama, Warm Springs, Umatilla, and Nez Perce tribes. It serves as a unified voice for its member tribes in managing fishery resources and protecting reserved treaty rights. Key Initiatives CRITFC conducts biological research and fisheries management to restore salmon, lamprey, and sturgeon populations. It advocates for fair harvest sharing and upholds treaty fishing rights through legal and policy efforts. Additionally, CRITFC educates the public about tribal culture and the importance of salmon restoration, fostering partnerships for environmental stewardship. Impact CRITFC's work benefits not only tribal communities but also the broader region by promoting ecological sustainability and cultural preservation. Over the years, it has achieved significant milestones in restoring fish populations and protecting watersheds. Environmental Justice and Community Support CRITFC integrates environmental justice into its goals by addressing climate change impacts on tribal resources and advocating for fair treatment in environmental policies. It supports tribal fishers with resources such as fishing access sites and marketing programs, ensuring sustainable livelihoods. How Your Support Helps Your contribution, potentially through partnerships with supporting organizations, helps CRITFC: - Conduct scientific research to restore fish populations. - Protect watersheds vital for fish habitats. - Advocate for tribal treaty rights. - Educate the public about tribal culture and salmon restoration. - Provide essential services for tribal fishers. By supporting CRITFC's efforts, you contribute to preserving Native American traditions, protecting treaty rights, and ensuring sustainable ecosystems for future generations.

Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission
700 Ne Multnomah St Suite 1200
Portland, Oregon 97232
United States
Phone (503) 238-0667
Twitter @CRITFC
Unique Identifier BSV_GOV_EIN_930695227_0001