Puyallup Tribal Council declares climate emergency

Photo Power Paddle to Pyallup

Puyallup Tribal Council declares climate emergency
Last Real Indians

Puyallup Nation - Surrounded by hundreds of students at Chief Leschi Schools, the Puyallup Tribal Council declared a climate emergency on Tuesday.



Tribal officials say the setting wasn’t just a symbolic gesture: It was a chance for tribal youth to witness an important moment in history.

“We’ve reached crisis mode,” said Puyallup Tribal Council Chairman David Z. Bean. “Our climate is getting hotter and more extreme. This action needs to be taken to protect the Salish Sea, our natural resources and our future generations from a complete climate catastrophe. The time to act is now.”

The five-page resolution outlines a plan on how the tribe will address climate change with sustainable practices and policies. It also includes points about the Paris Climate Agreement, greenhouse gas emissions and the proposed Tacoma LNG facility. View a full version of the resolution on the tribe’s website, http://www.puyalluptribe-nsn.gov/.

Puyallup Tribal Council member Annette Bryan, a former air quality inspector and a 10-year veteran of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, said the science and evidence of climate change were calls to action.

“As if the global outlook isn’t bleak enough, locally, we know our tide flats, businesses and homes are at risk of flooding if we don’t reduce climate pollution as soon as possible,” Bryan said. “This resolution isn’t just a formality, it’s our promise to do everything we can to help restore the health of our Mother Earth. We are proud to join other communities who have adopted similar resolutions, and we urge more people to join the fight in restoring a safe and stable climate.”

The vote was 5-0. Vice Chairman Bill Sterud was absent for illness, and as usual the chairman did not vote, though he supported the measure.

About the Puyallup Tribe of Indians

The Puyallup People have lived along the shores of what is now called Puget Sound since time immemorial. The Puyallup Tribe of Indians is a sovereign nation of more than 5,000 members and one of the largest employers in Pierce County. It serves its people and neighbors with generosity and is committed to building a sustainable way of life for future generations. Learn more about the Puyallup Tribe.

About the Puyallup Tribal Council

The Puyallup Tribal Council is the elected governing body of the Puyallup Tribe of Indians. The council consists of Chairman David Z. Bean, Vice Chairman Bill Sterud, Sylvia Miller, Tim Reynon, Annette Bryan, James Rideout and Anna Bean.

For more information go here

*Cover photo by 350 Tacoma

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Last Real IndiansDecember 10, 2019