The Makah Nation of Washington will retire the canoe used in the tribe's first successful whale hunt.

The tribe took to the water in 1999 and landed its first gray whale in more than 70 years. The 32-foot Hummingbird was part of the hunt.

The Hummingbird was used during the recent InterTribal Canoe Journey. But tragedy struck when rough seas caused it to capsize. Joseph Andrew "Jerry" Jack, a hereditary chief of the Mowachaht/Muchalaht First Nation of British Columbia, was killed.

Traditionally, canoes that are involved in accidents are burned. But since the Hummingbird was used in the whale hunt, it will be put on display at the marina.

Get the Story:
Makah to retire canoe used in 1999 whale hunt (The Peninsula Daily News 8/29)
U.S., Canadian coast guards offer help with future canoe journeys (The Peninsula Daily News 8/29)

Relevant Links:
Makah Nation - http://www.makah.com
Makah Request for a Waiver of the Moratorium on Taking Marine Mammals - http://www.nwr.noaa.gov/mmammals/graywhales/index.html

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