The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled in favor of the Suquamish Tribe of Washington in a fishing rights dispute.

The Suquamish Tribe and the Upper Skagit Tribe disagreed about the Suquamish Tribe's “usual and accustomed” fishing grounds." They each pointed to the historic Boldt decision that affirmed tribal rights under the Treaty of Medicine Creek.

The 9th Circuit said Judge George Boldt intended for the Suquamish Tribe to have a much larger fishing area than what the Upper Skagit Tribe claimed. The court said the Suquamish are entitled to a "broad, unlimited fishery" that includes Saratoga Passage and Skagit Bay.

Get the Story:
Appeals Court Rules in Favor of Suquamish Fishing (AP 8/6)

9th Circuit Decision:
Upper Skagit Tribe v. US (August 6, 2009)