quinault
Newsletter
Credit: Axel Antas-Bergkvist/Unsplash
Coastal tribe faces dire challenges as sea levels rise
The Quinault Indian Nation's efforts to relocate residents from a village threatened by the rising Pacific Ocean are hindered by insufficient funding and increasing climate impacts.
In short:
- Rising sea levels have severely affected the Quinault reservation in Taholah, Washington, with flooding causing mold and structural damage to homes.
- The tribe has been working for over a decade to relocate hundreds of residents, but needs over $400 million, far more than what current federal and state grants provide.
- Plans for a new village include climate-resilient infrastructure, but progress has been slow due to bureaucratic funding hurdles.
Key quote:
“We’ve seen the ocean come over the berm and actually come up against and even on top of the roofs of homes.”
— Guy Capoeman, Quinault President
Why this matters:
The Quinault tribe's struggle highlights the broader issue of how climate change disproportionately affects marginalized communities. Without adequate funding and resources, these populations face severe risks to their health, homes, and cultural heritage.
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Newsletter
Credit: Joseph Reece/Unsplash
Quinault Indian Nation plans relocation to combat flooding
The Quinault Indian Nation in Washington State is relocating Taholah village to higher ground to mitigate flood risks exacerbated by climate change.
In short:
- Taholah is currently vulnerable to frequent flooding from storm surges and rising sea levels, prompting the relocation initiative.
- The new village will be situated about a half-mile uphill, incorporating sustainable and resilient building practices.
- Financial challenges remain, with projected housing costs between $350,000 and $400,000, potentially unaffordable for many tribal members.
Key quote:
"It's almost like a geyser shooting through the rocks."
— Ryan Hendricks, tribal council member, Quinault Indian Nation
Why this matters:
As the planet warms, many locations once thought ideal for settlement are becoming untenable. The Quinault Indian Nation’s decision to relocate is a reminder of the adaptability and resilience of Indigenous communities, yet it also raises important questions about the responsibility of governmental and international bodies in supporting vulnerable populations in the face of climate change.
The trickle of climate-related migration is already upon us: The Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre estimates that 1.68 million Americans were internally displaced by disasters in 2017.
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www.hcn.org
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