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 How to Help the Colville, Yakama, & Spokane Tribes and Bands
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Our Neighbors
When we say, “Washington for All,” we mean everyone. Today the Office of Equity wants to uplift our tribal neighbors during this difficult time in Washington state history.
Our Colville, Yakama, and Spokane tribes, nations, & bands and their reservations have been ravaged by the fires. Click through their websites to learn more about how to help their communities.
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Land Lost
As of yesterday, August 17th, fires are still raging through the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation, with 59 structures lost and many people displaced.
Starting on July 17th, the Kaiser Canyon Fire and the Moldrite Fire burned around 196,000 acres on the Colville Reservation. According to Department of Natural Resources, around 794,000 acres have burned so far in Washington state in 2026. That means Colville land counts for 25% of the total acreage lost in Washington state. Neither of these fires are fully contained at the time of this publication.
Cody Desautel, Colville Tribe’s Executive Director, shared with The Chronicle that since 2014, a total of 1 million acres have burned on the reservation. This is significant because the entire reservation is only 1.4 million acres, meaning 71% of the land has burned in the last 10 years.
In other parts of the state, the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation Reservation have experienced 4,300 acres burn due to the Ransier Fire. The Spokane Tribe of Indians Reservation has seen around 4,500 acres burn, losing 11 buildings so far to the Mitre Rock Fire. Both of these fires are now contained.
The Spokane fire complex and other fires in WA decimated places that affect tribal members from all three tribes and many other tribes whose members live within the state. In total, our tribal nations have watched over 204,000 acres of their reservations burn.
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How to Help
Colville Tribes Donation Drop Off
The Confederated Tribes of Colville have two donation drop-off locations. The donation drop off sites are open 8 am – 8 pm daily. They do not need clothing donations at this time.
For questions, call Jessie at (509)634-1406. As of August 18th, they are looking for are:
- Cleaning Supplies
- Laundry, Dish, & Hand Soap
- Dish Cloths, Sponges, & Cleaning Rags
- Body and/or Baby Wipes
- Lanterns & Batteries
- Furniture (Beds, Dressers, etc.)
- Paper Towels
- Toilet Paper
- Propane Canisters
- Sleeping bags
- Non-stick pot sets
- Facewash
- A few smaller 2-3 person tents (Call ahead of time to see if still needed.)
Drop off locations can be found at:
Omak Eagles Nest
1168 Bull Rope St
Omak, WA, 98841
and
Colville Service Center (Old Hwy Tire)
3041 State Hwy 155
Coulee Dam, WA, 99116
Yakama Nation Donation Drop Off
The Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation have set up a donation drop off at:
150 Robbins Dr
Toppenish, WA 98948.
Contact Elizabeth Sanchey at (509) 945-2939 to set up a donation. As of August 6th, they need:
- Laundry Soap
- Cleaning Supplies
- Laundry, Dish, & Hand Soap
- Dish Cloths, Sponges, & Cleaning Rags
- Body and/or Baby Wipes
- Shower Towels
- Wash Cloths
- Blankets
- Pillows
Spokane Tribe Support
Follow the Rawhide Press for up to date information on how to support or find resources related to the Spokane Tribe.
Monica Peone, of the Rawhide Press, told us that there is “so much to be grateful for” and specifically uplifts:
- Our first line defenders,
- Those behind the scenes,
- The cooks who without hesitation made food for everyone working on the fires,
- The council for their dedication,
- The Spokane Executive Director & Deputy Executive, and
- All the departments who jumped in to work!
Need translation of Office of Equity materials? Email access@equity.wa.gov.
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Communicating a Washington for All,
The Washington State Office of Equity Team
equity.wa.gov | Subscribe to stay connected with us!
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