On May 17, 1999, members of the Makah Nation of Washington participated in the tribe's first whaling hunt in more than 70 years.

The hunters were successful that year and took one gray whale. But since then, the hunt has been blocked repeatedly in court as animal-rights activists seek to stop the controversial practice once and for all.

The 1855 Treaty of Neah Bay ensures the tribe's right to hunt. The treaty hasn't been struck down in court but the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals in December 2002 said the tribe's rights were limited by a federal law designed to protect special like the gray whale, which is no longer endangered.

The tribe and the federal government have asked the court to reconsider its decision.

Get the Story:
Tribe's whalers await chance to hunt again (The Seattle Post-Intelligencer 5/17)
Makah whaling: Five years later, it's a court case (The Peninsula Daily News 5/16)

Get the Decision:
ANDERSON v. EVANS, No. 02-35761 (9th Cir. December 20, 2002)

Relevant Documents:
Makah Whaling Environmental Assessment | Marine Mammal Protection Act

Relevant Links:
Makah Nation - http://www.makah.com

Related Stories:
Tribes and U.S. seek review of whale hunt ruling (03/14)
Opinion: Makah Nation whale hunt is not legal (02/12)
Makah whale hunt faces another review (12/23)
Federal judge shoots down treaty challenge (08/09)
U.S. pushes for whaling rights (6/10)
Whale hunt a go for Makah Nation (7/16)
Makah whale hunt faces threat (3/30)
Friends, foes turn out for Makah hearing (2/2)
Makah whale hunt up for review (01/16)
Court rules on Makah whaling (6/12)
Makah ruling overturned (6/9)
Metcalf's Indian history (6/9)
Metcalf pleased with ruling (6/9)