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Together, the four tribes formed the Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission in 1977, charging it with the mission of “ensuring a unified voice in the overall management of the fishery resources.” In the decades since its founding, this organization has grown to become an internationally known and respected champion of tribal rights and resource protection and an authoritative entity working on behalf of native fish and native people in the Columbia River Basin. Its staff of legal experts, biologists, hydrologists, enforcement officers, and public information specialists supports fisheries management, fishery science, fisheries enforcement, policy development, outreach, and watershed restoration. It also supports the tribes’ natural resources programs with technical expertise and regional coordination.

CRITFC operates on a consensus model. Each member tribe has one vote and action may only be taken on the agreement of all four tribes. This unity gives the four tribes an ability to speak with one voice amid the many governmental and non-governmental voices of salmon management. This unified voice is invaluable in the member tribes work with local, state, tribal, regional, and federal representatives on habitat restoration and protection, hydropower operations, harvest management, and hatchery reform.