Protect Pushpum

Protect the sacred land, medicines, and traditions of Pushpum from destruction

Encourage Governor Ferguson to support Tribes and oppose the Goldendale Pumped Storage Development

Known as “mother of all roots,” Pushpum is a sacred site for Yakama Nation ceremonies, legends, and gathering of traditional roots and medicines. 

Rye Development is twisting the promise of “clean energy” to justify the destruction of Tribal resources. The Goldendale Pumped Storage development, sited in Klickitat County, WA, is the largest pumped-storage hydroelectric development proposal in the Pacific Northwest. As part of the development, a reservoir would completely destroy Pushpum. The remaining infrastructure, including an underground concrete tunnel, would destroy five archaeological sites eligible for inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places.

The development area is within ceded lands of Yakama Nation, and the area has historically been used by the Yakama Nation, Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs Reservation, and the Nez Perce Tribe for hunting, traditional gathering, fishing, camping, and traditional ceremonies.

Dear Governor Ferguson, 

In your role as the Attorney General of Washington, you supported and pushed for policies that required free, informed, and prior consent from Tribal governments. This October, you re-iterated those commitments by signing Executive Order 25-10. You have always understood that strengthening relationships between the state and Tribes benefits us all. 

Today I ask that you, once again, be a champion of Tribal rights and oppose Rye Development’s proposal to build the Goldendale Pumped Storage development in Klickitat County, WA.

 If developed it would:

  • Destroy sacred land, medicines, and traditions of Yakama Nation, Umatilla, Warm Springs, and Nez Perce.
  • Perpetuate harm and environmental injustice by destroying a sacred site and Tribal cultural practices in the name of “clean energy.” 
  • Destroy vital biodiversity. This development is proposed on a natural seed bank that, once destroyed, can never be restored. This would have devastating ecological impacts on the area, including reducing plant genetic diversity and diminishing food sovereignty.
  • Continue an unjust legacy of Tribal cultural resource and biodiversity destruction in the name of green energy. 

The lack of consultation with and consent from Yakama Nation violates their Treaty-reserved rights. Throughout the licensing process for the proposed development, Yakama Nation and Umatilla’s sovereignty has been ignored and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission has wholly failed in its consultation duties.

In Washington, 18 Federally recognized Tribes have come out against this development. Both the Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians (ATNI) and the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) have issued resolutions opposing the destruction of Pushpum.

Today, I ask that you stand on your commitment to upholding and honoring Tribal sovereignty and oppose this poorly sited development. 

Sincerely

Background

Pushpum has nurtured life in this region since time immemorial. As a natural seed bank, this site contains a rich diversity of plant and animal life that, once removed, can never be fully restored. The loss of this resource would have devastating ecological impacts across Klickitat County and beyond.

State and federal environmental reviews reached the same conclusion: This development will irreparably harm Tribal communities and members.

“It is the responsibility of the Yakama Nation to protect these resources now and in the future for the benefit of those not yet born. The state’s environmental review validates warnings from the Yakama people about the destruction of sacred sites that are passed down through our traditional songs and legends.” – Gerald Lewis, Chairman, Yakama Nation

Learn More: