The Tolowa Dee-ni’ Nation and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on Wednesday, Dec. 18, signed a ceremonial agreement that will provide the Nation with $800,000 toward extensive improvements to a 50-year-old wastewater system serving low-income households at Xaa-wan’-k’wvt (Howonquet) Village and Resort in Smith River, Calif. The Nation’s Tribal Council met with U.S. Army Corps of Engineers representatives for a ceremonial signing of the agreement, exchange gifts and enjoy a meal while taking in the view of the Smith River Estuary, just a few miles south of the California/Oregon border. Attendees discussed the wastewater system project planned for the area as well as Tolowa Dee-ni’ culture, history and environmental practices.