Thread by @chinook_nation

When the U.S. govt rescinded our #federalrecognition status in 2002, we lost our right to self-determination & access to much needed resources & services. Today, we're fighting to protect & preserve our nation.

A thread 🧵 on what federal recognition means for #ChinookJustice

1/7. #federalrecognition means the U.S. govt acknowledges the right of an Indian tribe as a sovereign entity. A federally recognized tribe can directly engage with the U.S. govt. #ChinookJustice #indigenousrights

2/7. Many tribes received #federalrecognition through treaties & executive orders. Today, tribes can be federally recognized through acts of Congress, federal administrative actions or federal court decisions. #ChinookJustice #indigenousrights

3/7. Tribes without recognition can petition for the status, but the Bureau of Indian Affairs acknowledges that its system is "broken" & can take decades to consider applications. The list of tribes waiting for recognition is long. #ChinookJustice #indigenousrights

4/7. Generally, in return for taking tribal lands, the U.S. promised to preserve the tribe's rights to peace, protection, annuities & services. This includes access to benefits such as housing, health care, education, food & other basic needs. #ChinookJustice #landback

5/7. The Chinook Indian Nation is a sovereign nation, inheriting that status from our land & our ancestors. We expect to be treated as such. That’s our inheritance. #ChinookJustice #indigenousrights #landback

6/7. We've waited 2 decades to correct an injustice. Our communities need immediate support. The time for #federalrecognition is now. #ChinookJustice #landback #indigenousrights

7/7. RT & follow to help us protect our cultural traditions, improve health care, increase education & more: chinooknation.org/recognition/ #ChinookJustice #indigenousrights #landback