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Gorge Commission funds camas First Foods project with tribal partners
Summary
The Commission used remaining climate funds to support a camas First Foods project led by tribal partners, funding field days and knowledge-sharing for about 20 tribal participants after a larger EPA grant was frozen.
The Columbia River Gorge Commission announced May 13 that it had awarded remaining climate funds to support a camas First Foods project developed with tribal partners.
Lisa (staff) said the work grew out of a Yakama Nation-led EPA Environmental Justice grant application that was awarded late in 2024 but then frozen when federal funding was put on hold early in 2025. With limited climate funds remaining, the Commission is supporting a discrete piece of that proposal — a series of field days focused on camas gathering and preparation led by elder teachers.
"What it's gonna look like is an award from us to Inchijuana housing and working together with a couple elder teachers," Lisa said. She described the project as supporting roughly 20 tribal members to gather the sacred food and learn preparation techniques; the money will pay for participant time, field days, and the learning experience. Lisa said commissioners had previously heard that First Foods protection and access are priorities under the Commission’s climate plan and its work with the Four Columbia River Treaty Tribes.
Volodymykoski characterized the award as a targeted, on-the-ground project intended to get funding to community members in the season when camas is harvested and processed. She said the Commission hopes to share a summary and photos after the project is complete.
The Commission did not record a formal vote at the meeting; staff described the payment as an administrative award from remaining climate funds rather than a commission-approved grant requiring a motion.
