Ensuring Warmth, Safety, and Care for Indigenous Families Along the Nchi’wana

The River People’s Propane Bank is a community-led mutual aid project that helps Indigenous community members along the Nchi’wana (Columbia River) access propane for heating and cooking. We prioritize support for elders and families with children.

We started this propane bank after seeing many Native people go without propane during the early winter months in the Gorge. Our work also includes sharing information about propane safety for Native community members living at the fishing-in-lieu sites along the Nchi’wana.

This project is powered by a network of community partners and volunteers who help with propane distribution, delivery, storage, and funding. Our partners include Áqwłtpwisha Chúushna, the Native Support Program of the Columbia Gorge Health Council, The Next Door Inc. Native Support Team, Nchi’wana Housing, WAGAP, and the Columbia River Intertribal Fish Commission.