Debate continues over Naselle Youth Camp

A bill that would have transferred ownership of the former Naselle Youth Camp to the Chinook Indian Nation has died in the Washington State Legislature, leaving supporters frustrated and the site's future uncertain.

Introduced by Sen. Jeff Wilson (R-Longview) earlier this year, Senate Bill 5247 never made it to a public hearing before the legislative deadline, effectively halting its progress for this session. The bill aimed to return the long-shuttered youth camp to the Chinook, whose ancestral lands include the site. Despite the setback, Wilson insists the effort is not over, shifting his focus toward a budget proviso that could provide a long-term lease option.

Once a medium-security facility offering education and rehabilitation to young offenders, the Naselle Youth Camp was closed in 2022. Comprised of housing units, a school, gym, and fish hatchery, the 22-acre property now sits vacant, with the state paying to maintain the site despite its disuse.

"It went from something to nothing," Wilson said. "The state shouldn’t be in the business of maintaining vacant properties, guarding the facility, keeping it mothballed..." Wilson and others see a better use for the property; at least, one that would serve the region while addressing a deeper historical issue.

Following the camp’s closure, a task force composed of local officials, tribal representatives, and community leaders studied possible uses for the land. The group’s report overwhelmingly recommended transferring the property to the Chinook Indian Nation to establish a cultural and economic hub. The proposed "New Chinook Village" would provide housing, health services, cultural education, and workforce training for both tribal and non-tribal residents.

“The legislature‘s lack of action is not only disappointing for the Chinook Indian Nation but for all of Southwest Washington,” said Tony Johnson, chairman of the Chinook Indian Nation. “Transferring the Naselle Youth Camp to the tribe was the sole recommendation of the task force for a reason. It is time for Washington’s legislators to put politics aside and do the right thing for the people of Southwest Washington.”

Despite bipartisan sponsorship from Sen. Mike Chapman (D-Port Angeles), SB 5247 was never scheduled for a hearing. Wilson attributed this to committee discretion but emphasized that the bill remains active for another year. "We get two years," said Wilson. "I'll bring my budget proviso to the next session."

Supporters of the transfer see the delay as a missed opportunity to correct historical wrongs.

Hugh Amaguq Ahnatook, a Pacific County resident who supports returning the land to the Chinook Nation, said, "This is a chance to be on the right side of history. We are all here to take care of the earth and each other.”

Linda and Brian Elliot of Wahkiakum County have been following the issue closely. As a Chinook member, Brian is disappointed that the bill stalled this session but remains hopeful that progress will be made.

“This would be a significant location for the Chinook Tribe to use for a cultural and operational center,” Linda said. “The property is located within the Chinook Indian Nation’s land claim boundary, and the tribe has a land claim settlement, Docket 234, which further affirms their title to the territory. The Chinook Tribe has been fighting for federal recognition for 120 years, and it’s way past time to gain this status.”

Wahkiakum County resident Becky Archibald underscored the government’s obligation to the tribes, which she described as “unique” in an interview. “Consultation does not mean agreement,” said Archibald. “It’s a nation-to-nation compact. We are sovereign within the United States. True and meaningful discussions to move the Youth Camp forward lie within the Chinook Tribe and elected officials here.”

Calling for both the honoring of treaties and upholding that commitment, Archibald said, “I stand with the Chinook in support of their future and endeavors for the people. For this sad saga to end and new beginnings to come forth.”

Wilson’s current plan involves a 99-year lease at a symbolic rate of $1, a method sometimes used for long-term tribal land agreements. However, Wahkiakum County resident Ruby Hansen Murray sees full ownership as the best outcome, arguing that Chinook-run health and social services would benefit the broader Native and non-Native community.

“The activities the Chinook would have at the youth camp would bring visitors and business to the area, strengthening the local economy, and it’s the right thing to do,” said Murray.

For some residents, the framing of the debate itself is flawed.

"The only thing that stands out for me in that article is the idea that the state can't 'gift' assets," said Naselle resident Julie Tennis, referring to an article first published in the Chinook Observer that was later reprinted in The Wahkiakum County Eagle. "It wouldn’t be a 'gift,' it would be reparations."

Wilson remains committed to finding a path forward, stating that a budget proviso is in the works. The legislature’s final decision on the site, however, is yet to be made. For now, the Naselle Youth Camp remains in limbo and at the center of a debate over whether Washington state will recognize the Chinook Nation’s claim to the land.