Empowering Makah Tribal Members and Spouses through Research and Development
Our Story
Building Opportunity, From the Ground Up
Our Impact
Jobs, Justice, and Infrastructure in Action
Our work is grounded in local needs and led by Indigenous voices, turning funding into real jobs, vital infrastructure, and lasting opportunity.
25+
Jobs Created for Tribal Members
Employment opportunities across fishing, construction, and vessel restoration — all filled by the Makah community.
6
Community Projects Completed
Key infrastructure improvements supporting long-term economic growth, including docks, vessel removal, and equipment upgrades.
$260,000+
Secured in Public and Private Grant Funding
Funding from federal, state, and nonprofit sources invested directly into local jobs and community-led development.
100%
Indigenous Leadership & Workforce
Every board member and project hire comes from the Makah Tribe, ensuring our work is rooted in local knowledge and lived experience.
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Current Focus
Testing Mercury Levels to Protect Our Community
RDSA is raising funds to analyze mercury contamination in local fish and crab, ensuring the health and safety of Makah Tribal members’ traditional diets.
Why Testing Matters
Understanding mercury levels helps protect the health of our community by identifying risks in fish and crab that are part of daily diets.
How We’re Taking Action
We’re collecting samples from local fishermen to send to a specialized lab for precise analysis, providing data to guide safety and environmental efforts.
2025
Testing for Mercury Contamination in Tribal Land and Subsistence Fish
The Philanthropy Northwest grant will help RDSA collect mercury data in soil and fish to assess risks for Makah tribal members and address regional knowledge gaps.
2025
Building Capacity of the Local Fishing Industry
The USDA grant supports repairs of two commercial fishing vessels, creating local fishing jobs and reducing the need for community members to seek work outside the tribal area.
2025
Expanding Industrial Freezer Capacity
Funded by the Olympic Workforce Development Council, this project increased storage capacity for local bait and fish, supporting fishermen and the broader community.
Rooted in Community, Powered by Purpose
Everything we do starts with listening to and honoring the needs of the Makah people, ensuring our work reflects their vision and values.
Indigenous-Led, Community-Driven
Guided by Indigenous leadership and shaped by community priorities, we focus on creating meaningful, measurable change.
Empowering Our People, From Within
By investing in local skills and opportunities, we strengthen the Makah community’s capacity for self-determination and growth.
Built by and for the Makah Community
Our board, staff, and projects are deeply rooted in Makah culture and leadership, ensuring every effort serves our people first.
Testimonials
Real Stories, Real Impact
From job creation to environmental restoration, these stories show what’s possible when we lead with purpose.
“RDSA was contracted with the Makah Tribe to build an emergency fish off load dock as the primary dock was torn down to build a new one under a two-year term... The project was completed in time for the Halibut fishing season and employed 6 local tribal members.”
Cape Flattery Fishermen's Cooperative
