Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm met individually with the tribal councils of three tribes near the Hanford Site in a series of virtual meetings recently.
Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm met individually with the tribal councils of three tribes near the Hanford Site in a series of virtual meetings recently.

Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm recently joined representatives of three tribes near the Hanford Site for a series of meetings to discuss a variety of topics, from contracting opportunities with DOE to protection of wildlife and natural resources.

Strengthening nation-to-nation relationships has been a priority for the Secretary, and the virtual meetings held individually with tribal councils enabled Granholm to engage with the leadership of the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation, the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation and the Nez Perce Tribe.

While held separately, the meetings revealed shared interests among the tribal representatives. They agreed that the health of fish in the Columbia River remains critically important. They noted that protecting “Laliik” — also known as Rattlesnake Mountain, which overlooks the Hanford Site — is of utmost concern. The tribes are seeking greater access to that area’s sacred sites and the mountain summit, as well as enhanced management of the area’s natural resources. The representatives also voiced support for clean energy and said they want to do their part to reduce carbon emissions.

Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm
Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm

Delano Saluskin, chair of the Yakama Nation, emphasized the need for the tribes to be given contracting opportunities with DOE and its contractors.

Umatilla Tribe Chair Kathryn Brigham said she was pleased the Secretary knew so much about the Umatilla Tribe’s issues and concerns.

Nez Perce Chairman Samuel Penney discussed the special relationship between tribes and the land.

“Let us set aside tribal and political differences and pray for love and respect for Mother Earth,” Penney said.

“For the last several administrations, this is the first time a Secretary has met with each tribe individually and that meant a lot to them,” EM Tribal Affairs Program Manager Jill Conrad said. “Even though they have some common issues, each has their own priorities in their involvement with DOE.”

Ali Nouri, DOE assistant secretary for congressional and intergovernmental affairs, and Wahleah Johns, director of the DOE Office of Indian Energy Policy and Programs, joined the Secretary for the discussions.