Overview

In October 2023, the West Coast Ocean Alliance (Alliance or WCOA) convened its Annual Members Summit and Tribal Caucus Summit in Portland, Oregon. During the Annual Summit, Tribal, federal, and state government representatives gathered to build and strengthen relationships, discuss Alliance currently-funded projects, and broadly inform the goals of WCOA’s 5-year strategic plan. The Tribal Caucus Summit provided Tribal leaders and representatives the opportunity to share stories about their experiences, lessons learned, strategies, and needs related to co-management and stewardship, offshore wind, data sovereignty, joint decision-making, and consultation with federal and state government partners. Both Summits prioritized small group discussions. The Annual Summit was structured to ensure informational updates and perspectives were shared by a wide range of Tribal, federal, and state government representatives. 

There were 55 WCOA members present across both Summits, representing 15 Tribal Nations, 4 Tribal organizations, 14 federal government agencies, and 9 state government agencies. Both Summits were funded by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration with additional funding from Bonneville Environmental Foundation for the Annual Summit and The Ford Family Foundation, Affiliated Tribes of the Northwest Indians and Roundhouse Foundation for the Tribal Caucus Summit.