The Spokane Tribe is a federally recognized Indian Tribe with reserved rights in fish, wildlife, water, and other resources, pursuant to federal law. The Tribe is also a sovereign government with management capability and regulatory authority over such resources. The Spokane Tribe has developed a Wildlife Management Plan, Wildlife Habitat Management Plans, Lake Roosevelt Fisheries Guiding Document, and Hatchery Plan, and have immense cultural ties to the Spokane and Columbia Rivers prior to the construction of the FCRPS and other in the Columbia Basin River System.  Authorities are based on federal law, Tribal Law, and agreements between the Tribe and other resource management and Federal agencies.

This contract intends to continue the Spokane Tribe’s involvement in regionally important processes and programs.  This involvement includes coordination and communication with the Northwest Power and Conservation Council (NPCC) Bonneville Power Administration, and primarily with the other tribes in the 1980 Power Act.  This is particularly important in the implementation of the NPCC’s Fish and Wildlife Program and the Northwest Power Planning and Conservation Act of 1980.

Education and Coordination of various regional entities including local schools, universities and county groups is essential in bringing their awareness to the issues found in the Spokane Tribes history and future with our  Fish and Wildlife programs.