Whale Hunting By the Makah Tribe

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Whale hunting has been a way of life for the Makah Tribe for more than 2000 years. They have traditionally depended on the whale meat to survive as well as they have utilized the whales blubber and oil. The dependence on whale hunting has caused the whale to be an integral part of the Makah culture. The whale is in their songs, dances, designs and basketry. It has given them a disciple and pride in their tribe. Yet for the past seventy years the Makah has been prevented from hunting due to the gray whale, the whale they hunt, being on the endangered list. In 1994 the gray whale was removed form the endangered list opening the possibility of the Makah Tribe to hunt again. Yet this possibility has caused anti-whaling organizations to protest to the killing of the gray whale. A heated debate between the Makah tribe and anti-whaling organizations over the subject of whale hunting has ensued.

Legally the Makah Tribe feels justified in their argument due to the treaty make be the U.S. with the Makahs in 1855, promising the Makahs the right to hunt the gray whale. The treaty minutes recorded Governor Stevens addressing the Makah, "The Great Father knows what whalers you are- how you go far to sea to take whale. Far form wanting to stop you, he will help you, sending implements and barrels to buy the oil." The Makahs feel that if the U.S does not allow them to hunt then the U.S. will have broken a treaty that to them, is as important as our constitution.

The anti-whaling organization, The Sea Shepherd Conservation Society, agrees that the Makahs have a valid treaty with the U.S yet still feels that the U.S should rule against the Makahs and their desire to hunt. They realize that this would breech a valid contract...

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... further pain to the whale then necessary. They have a respect for the whale and what the whale does for them. They should be allowed to continue in their hunting of the whale.

Work Cited

Native Americans and the Environment. "The Makah Indian Tribe and Whaling" 98 Online. Internet. 3 Febuary 2003. Available: www.cnie.org/NAE/docs/makahfaq.html.

Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission. "Makah Management Plan For Makah Treaty..." 98 Online. Internet 3 Febuary 2003. Available www:nwifc.wa.gov/whaling/whaleplan.html.

Sea Shepherd Conservation Society "The Makah Whale Hunt" 02 Online. Internet 3 Febuary 2003. Available www:seashepherd.org/media_info/asp.

Shukovsky, Paul. "Public hearing on Makah whale hunt brings out opposition." Seattle Post- Intelligencer 02 Online. Internet. 3 Febuary 2003. Available www:seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/maka021.shtml.

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