9th Circuit sides with Suquamish Tribe in fishing rights dispute

Tuesday, July 28, 2015  

YouTube: 9th Circuit Court of Appeals Oral Arguments in Tulalip Tribes v. Suquamish Indian Tribe

The Suquamish Tribe of Washington can continue fishing in its usual and accustomed areas, the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled on Monday.

The Suquamish Tribe's treaty fishing grounds were determined as part of the historic U.S. v Washington case. But a dispute arose with the Tulalip Tribes, whose leaders tried to exclude certain areas from a ruling made back in 1975.

The 9th Circuit, however, said the late Judge George Hugo Boldt made the correct decision 40 years ago. That means the Suquamish Tribe can continue to exercise its treaty rights in the areas at issue.

Indianz.Com SoundCloud: 9th Circuit Court of Appeals Oral Arguments in Tulalip Tribes v. Suquamish Indian Tribe

"Judge Boldt took great care to define Treaty Tribes’ U&As," Judge Richard A. Paez wrote in the unanimous ruling.

Turtle Talk has posted documents from the case, Tulalip Tribes v. Suquamish Tribe.

Get the Story:
9th Cir. Hammers Out Tribal Fishing Rights (Courthouse News Service 7/28)

9th Circuit Decision:
Tulalip Tribes v. Suquamish Tribe (July 27, 2015)