The Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation of Washington hailed a decision in a long running treaty and fishing rights dispute.

The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that the Wenatchi Band retains fishing rights in the Wenatshapam Fishery along the Wenatchee River. The band is part of the Colville confederation.

“We are pleased that the 9th Circuit has recognized these centuries-old connections to the area, and the rights of the Wenatchi members to continue to fish in their ancestral territory,” vice chairman John Stensgar said in a statement, The Wenatchee World reported.

The court said the Wenatchi Band's rights were protected by an 1894 agreement that was negotiated after the federal government failed to live up to an 1855 treaty. The Yakama Nation had disputed the Wenatchi's rights.

Get the Story:
9th Circuit sides with Wenatchi band — Colvilles and Yakamas can both fish Icicle Creek (The Wenatchee World 6/2)

9th Circuit Decision:
US v. Oregon (May 27, 2010)

Related Stories:
9th Circuit rules on long-running treaty and fishing dispute (5/28)
Judge backs fishing rights for Wenatchi Band (8/18)
9th Circuit allows tribe to assert fishing rights (12/5)