"We have always and will always do everything in our power to
preserve and enhance the Klamath for all future generations."
– Joseph L. James, Chairman, Yurok Tribe
Facing a looming new threat to the already endangered salmon upon which its culture, society, and economy depend, the Yurok Tribe passed its Genetically Engineered Organism Ordinance, believed to be the first tribal law of its kind in the country. Enacted as a "preventative measure against future harm," the ordinance is a necessary step to protect Yurok's food sovereignty and ensure the spiritual, cultural, and physical health of its people. Through its community-driven legislative process, the Tribe also created a comprehensive Pesticide Ordinance, and is deploying ongoing public education campaigns to effectively enforce both laws.
CONNECT:
Ø Louisa McCovey, Director, Yurok Tribe Environmental Program, 707-482-1822, lomccovey@yuroktribe.nsn.us
Ø Dawn Sturdevant Baum, Deputy General Counsel, Office of the Tribal Attorney, Yurok Tribe, 707-482-1350 x1311, dbaum@yuroktribe.nsn.us (for procedural and legal questions)
To learn more about the Yurok Tribe’s governance story, click on the case study and related resources below.
Note: Development of this case study was supported by a grant from the Native American Agriculture Fast Track Fund. Fast Track funding was part of the settlement of the Keepseagle v. Vilsack national class action lawsuit, which also led to the creation of the Native American Agriculture Fund (NAAF), the largest philanthropic entity supporting Native American farmers and ranchers through grants that focus on business assistance, technical support, and agricultural education, and advocacy.
Natural Resource Management: YUROK TRIBE