History of Hanford

As late as the 1940s, land comprising the Columbia River region in what is now known as the Hanford Nuclear Reservation was occupied and used by Indian tribes. Our oral history tells us that we have utilized the natural resources of the Hanford region since time immemorial. Archeological records indicate use and occupancy as far back as over 17,000 years.

During the 1940s, Hanford was activated for making nuclear fuel and weapons. The production of nuclear weapons during the Cold War caused massive contamination of all of the natural resources of the Columbia River region. Hanford continued making weapons into the late 1980s when the Department of Energy (DOE) turned toward the long-term cleanup efforts to restore land, wildlife, and water to the previous condition.

Past cleanup efforts have inadvertently disturbed burial sites, destroyed natural vegetation and important native cultural resources. In an effort to correct the past cleanup efforts, DOE now works with affected tribes to ensure tribal interests are protected.

The Nez Perce Tribe recognized in the Treaty of 1855 with the United States retains its right to take fish and hunt at “usual and accustomed” places in areas ceded to the U.S. government. The treaty encompasses areas of land and water in Washington, Idaho, and Oregon, including the Columbia, Snake, and Salmon River regions. All these regions are impacted by DOE activities. This solemn exchange of lands for promises is the impetus for the Nez Perce involvement at Hanford.