The Skokomish Tribe of Washington is taking big measures to save the Hood Canal, which was once a major source of food.
Low oxygen levels, caused partly by pollution, in the canal have killed off the crab that tribal members once depended on. Geoducks, shrimp and salmon runs are dwindling. Recreational activities are also in jeopardy.
"For us, everything relates to right here, on this canal," fisherman Tim LeClair told The Seatle Times. "With what we have been able to get for the table, we are very lucky. We just want it to continue."
In hopes of reducing pollution, the tribe is building new homes for tribal members further away from the canal. Tribal fishermen have stopped dumping chum salmon carcasses into the canal and are selling them to Japan as a delicacy.
The tribe is also helping develop a regional sewage treatment system. The tribe is lobbying to find an additional $18 million to $20 million for the project, which has received $24.5 million in state and federal funds so far.
Get the Story:Tribe tries to resuscitate canal (The Seattle Times 3/5)
Tribe’s new housing plan aims to help struggling canal (The Olympian 3/3) Court Decision:
Skokomish Tribe v. Tacoma (March 9, 2005) Earlier Decisions:
USA V CITY OF TACOMA (June 4, 2003) | SKOKOMISH INDIAN V TACOMA (June 3, 2003) Relevant Links:
Skokomish Tribe - http://www.skokomish.org Related Stories:
Appeals court rejects tribe's treaty rights claim (03/10)
Appeals court to hear Wash. tribe's treaty dispute (03/17)
Appeals court to rehear Wash. tribe's treaty case (2/25)
Appeals court rules on Skokomish Tribe claims (06/05)
