Native America Calling: The Boldt Decision and fishing rights 50 years later

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Tuesday, February 13, 2024

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The Boldt Decision and fishing rights 50 years later

It would be hard to find a legal victory any more important than the ruling named after federal judge George Hugo Boldt in 1974.

It was the turning point for the fight led by Nisqually activist Billy Frank, Jr., initially affirming the treaty fishing rights for 20 tribes in western Washington State. But it provided the basis for a far-reaching transformation of Indian Law and natural resource management.

Today is the 50th anniversary of the Boldt decision in U.S. v Washington, a federal case that changed the way natural resources are managed in Washington state.

Here's a quick lesson on the Nuts and Boldts. #treatyrights #salmon https://t.co/ZXRShjeGWX
— Northwest Treaty Tribes (@nwtreatytribes) February 12, 2024

“It reaffirmed tribal treaty rights”: Michael Connor (Taos Pueblo), Assistant Secretary for Civil Works at Army Department, pays tribute on 50th anniversary of historic Boldt fighting rights decision, saying it recognizes tribal management over their resources.@NCAI1944 #ECWS2024 pic.twitter.com/YekI1gfIur
— indianz.com (@indianz) February 13, 2024

“The Department of the Navy has been working with treaty tribes in Western Washington”: Meredith Berger, Assistant Secretary of the Navy (Energy, Installations, and Environment), also pays tribute on 50th anniversary of historic Boldt decision at @NCAI1944 #ECWS2024. @ASNEIE pic.twitter.com/3q5wXhNgRi
— indianz.com (@indianz) February 13, 2024

Guests on Native America Calling

Washington State Rep. Debra Lekanoff (Lingít/Democrat-WA40)

Ed Johnstone (Quinault), chairman of the Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission

Nancy Shippentower (Puyallup), activist and chair of the Salmon Defense Fund

Rob Purser (Suquamish), tribal fisherman and Suquamish Tribe fisheries director