Support of Tribal Nations and Call for Removal of Dams Along the Klamath River

Resolution Details: 

Resolution in Support of Tribal Nations and Call for Removal of Dams Along the Klamath River

Adopted May 7th, 2007

Whereas, Associated Students mission states the purpose to "provide an official voice through which students' opinions may be expressed; foster awareness of these opinions both on and off campus; assist in the protection of the rights and interests of the individual student and the student body…and to stimulate the educational, social, physical, and cultural well-being of the University community;"

Whereas, the Humboldt State University (HSU) mission states that we serve our students as we "promote understanding of social, economic and environmental issues. We help individuals prepare to be responsible members of diverse societies;"

Whereas, HSU's vision asks that "we will be exemplary partners with our communities, including tribal nations;"

Whereas, HSU's student body contains members of tribal nations;

Whereas, HSU's vision also states HSU will be "renowned for social and environmental responsibility and action… campus of choice for individuals who seek above all else to improve the human condition and our environment…the individual citizen who acts in good conscience and engages in informed action…to increasing our diversity of people and perspectives;"

Whereas, Craig Tucker, scientist of the Karuk tribe states that "PacifiCorp's Klamath River dams are a leading factor in the decline of salmonids in the Klamath basin by denying access to spawning habitat, degrading water quality, and providing the conditions for toxic algae and fish diseases to thrive;"

Whereas, the local indigenous tribes are subsistence tribes that have extensive reliance upon Klamath River and the salmon for cultural survival, preservation and restoration;

Wheras, the Klamath River was once the third largest salmon spawning grounds in the west;

Whereas, the absence of salmon negate the subsistence lifestyle of local tribal nations;

Whereas, the cost of relicensing the dams along the Klamath River is more costly economically than decommissioning; therefore be it

Resolved, that HSUAS supports the decommissioning of the Klamath River dams; and be it finally

Resolved, that copies of this resolution be sent to (but not limited to) President Rollin Richmond, Chancellor Charles Reed, the California State Water Resources Control Board, local Tribal Nations, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, California EPA, Bureau of Indian Affairs, the HSU Indian Teacher and Educational Personnel Program, the HSU Indian Natural Resources and Sciences Engineering Program, the HSU Native American Studies department, the HSU Multicultural Center, the American Indian Alliance, and members of the local media including but not limited to: The Times Standard, The Osprey, North Coast Journal, The Lumberjack, The Arcata Eye, and The Eureka Reporter.

Authored by: Jason Robo

Original student signatures on file at the Associated Students Office.

______________________________ ____________________________________
Jason Robo Terra Rentz
AS Legislative Vice President AS President