White Salmon, Washington– USDA MPPTA Client Story
Buck Jones, a member of the Cayuse Tribe, one of the three tribes of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation is making waves in the world of fisheries with the Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission (CRITFC). With a history spanning 19 years, Jones, CRITFC’s Salmon Marketing Specialist, has been at the forefront of ensuring the sustainability and prosperity of Tribal commercial fishers and fishing communities.
CRITFC – Preserving Traditions, Empowering Communities
CRITFC, an intertribal organization representing the Yakama, Umatilla, Warm Springs, and Nez Perce Tribes, coordinates the fisheries management actions of the four member tribes. Since 1977, CRITFC has worked hard to bring recognition to the significance of salmon in Tribal life and the ecosystem. Its primary goals are to put fish back in the rivers, restore watersheds where fish live, provide fisher services, and share salmon culture. Among its programs are diverse efforts including operating and maintaining 30 Columbia River Tribal fishing access sites, operating a fish genetics laboratory and DNA sample repository, and maintaining a network of research stations at the Columbia River estuary and near the shore of the Pacific Ocean. CRITFC’s Salmon Marketing program was established to help tribal fishers build and promote their efforts to sell their harvest to the public. Behind all its projects is elected tribal leadership guiding the overall mission to protect and restore Columbia River salmon and the traditional cultures that depend on them.
Tribal FishCo – Bridging Gaps, Building Dreams
Under the umbrella of CRITFC, Tribal FishCo emerged to support Indigenous fishers. Covering 147 miles along the Columbia River, the fishery faces challenges due to funding, challenging terrains, and maintaining the quality of the fish as it goes to market. Buck Jones is committed to uplifting the fishers and advocating for the existing 14-acre Tribal FishCo fish processing facility in White Salmon, Washington. The facility is working toward improvements like more ice machines, expansion of freezing rooms, a canning facility, and getting USDA-approved. Once the Tribes have a federally compliant food processing facility, they can take greater control of their fisheries resources by processing and marketing fish and accessing new markets.
MPPTA’s Chris Roper – An Important Ally
Chris Roper working for MPPTA (Meat and Poultry Processing Technical Assistance) through Flower Hill Institute has been an important ally for FishCo. Roper’s involvement in national matters, including a groundbreaking visit to Tribal FishCo, has added a layer of expertise to their endeavors. He continues to play a pivotal role in helping FishCo navigate USDA grants, crucial for expanding their seafood processing.
“Chris was going around the Pacific Northwest and visiting different Tribes. He made time in his schedule to come down and see our Tribal FishCo Facility and come in and get his feet on the ground and see our building on the Columbia River” Buck Jones
USDA Grants – A Game-Changer for Seafood Processing
FishCo recently signed a technical assistance grant with USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), marking a historic moment. While the USDA has traditionally focused on grants for cattle and bison, Pacific Northwest Tribes are advocating for the inclusion of seafood grants. FishCo also applied for the Indigenous Animals Harvesting and Meat Processing Grant Program (AIG) with the valuable assistance of AMS’ Architect, Ron Batcher. He helped FishCo apply for the grant by creating designs to add additional ice-freezer capacity, a row recovery room, and a cannery.
Along with the recent $4.14 million grant allocation for Columbia River Tribal fishing access sites, applauded by Aja DeCoteau, CRITFC’s executive director, it will fund essential repairs and upgrades.
“We applaud the Biden Administration for its commitment to Tribal communities,” said Aja DeCoteau, executive director of the Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission.
Empowering Indigenous Voices – Lessons from Success
Buck Jones emphasizes the importance of overcoming funding distrust, sharing success stories, being creative at the negotiation table, and receiving guidance from Chris Roper, as essential to success. He encourages Tribes, regardless of size, to collaborate, advocate, and also respect their sovereignty.
Seizing the Moment – The Future of Indigenous Fisheries
As the Biden Administration advocates for Tribal communities, it is a pivotal moment for Indigenous fisheries. Buck Jones urges Tribes to embrace this time, emphasizing the need for open conversations, shared successes, and creative solutions. Respect for sovereignty remains paramount as Indigenous communities strive to preserve their traditions and secure a thriving future.
“I think it is important to be at the table, speaking for that fisher that’s on the water that can’t be at these caucuses or in DC.” Buck Jones
A Collective Journey Towards Sustainability
The partnership between MPPTA’s Chris Roper and Tribal FishCo, under the umbrella of CRITFC, exemplifies a collective journey towards sustainable Indigenous fisheries. It reflects the resilience, determination, and collaborative spirit necessary to overcome challenges and build a future where traditions and communities flourish.
Tribal Fishco: Read More
CRITFC: Read More
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Please note: The Meat and Poultry Processing Technical Assistance (MPPTA) Program is funded through a cooperative agreement with the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service. The MPPTA Project Coordinators do not offer or provide direct contractor services or financial capital, grant writing, or project management services, nor does the voluntary use of MPPTA guarantee the success of a grant application or the grant-funded project