NOAA joined forces with the U.S. Coast Guard, Washington State Department of Ecology, and several oil spill response organizations in an annual effort to prepare tribal members to be safe and effective oil spill first responders. 

These tribal nations occupy vast and remote sections of Washington's outer coast and their members would play vital roles in the early stages of spill response in these hard-to-get-to places. The training was well received and helped strengthen the relationships between the federal, state, tribal, and private entities that would be charged with working together during an oil spill in our shared waters. 

Unique this year, NOAA and the other providers of this training were invited to a ceremonial drum and dance circle at the Quileute community center. It was an honor to be a part of such a special gathering and served to further strengthen our understanding and appreciation for these coastal communities and valued response partners. 

For further information, contact Matthew.Bissell@noaa.gov.

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