The Chinook Nation of Washington is headed to the nation's capitol this week to lobby for federal recognition.

Chairman Ray Gardner hopes to answer questions about the bill before it gets introduced in the Senate. A version has already been introduced in the House.

"We've made every effort to answer public concerns. There have been lots of misperceptions. The tribal council has been good at addressing the issues. We've tried to alleviate people's fears. When the bill passes we'll have same rights and privileges of other tribes," Gardner told The Daily Astorian.

Rep. Brian Baird (D-Washington) introduced H.R.2576 last week. It treats the Chinook as a "restored" tribe rather than a newly recognized one.

Get the Story:
Chinook recognition would honor ancestors (The Daily Astorian 5/25)

Related Stories:
House bill introduced to recognize Chinook Nation (5/22)
Editorial: Move quickly on Chinook recognition (1/29)