November 3, 2022 SEATTLE, WA – The Washington State Catholic Conference, comprised of the five Catholic Bishops of Washington state, released a statement that calls for policy makers to develop and implement a holistic plan to care for creation and the common good in the Lower Snake River region. 

The decline of salmon in the Lower Snake River points to the need to care for our common home. The bishops acknowledge that the diminishing salmon population in the Lower Snake River and the loss of their original habitat pose a threat to the spiritual lifeways of the Original People of the Northwest. 

Echoing Pope Francis, who stated in Laudato Si’ that Indigenous communities should be “principal dialogue partners” in large projects affecting their land, the bishops state that the Original Peoples of Washington state should be “principal dialogue partners” in forming a comprehensive plan for the Lower Snake River region. This plan should serve the common good, care for creation, and take into account the treaties and rights of the Original Peoples of Washington state and those who live and work in the Lower Snake River region. 

On October 30, 2022, Archbishop Paul D. Etienne read the statement at the International Indigenous Salmon Seas Symposium in Seattle, WA. The statement was presented to Jay Julius of the Lummi Nation and JoDe Goudy of the Yakama Nation, leaders of the Indigenous nonprofit, Se’Si’Le. 

The full statement is below and may also be accessed at wacatholics.org