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der=0 cellpadding=3 cellspacing=0 width=100%> Indianz.Com Remembers...
The Makah Whale Hunt
MAY 18, 2000

Over one hundred years ago, leaders of the Makah Nation signed a treaty with the United States. The 1855 Treaty of Neah Bay remains significant if just for one simple fact. It is the only treaty that secures the right to hunt whales.

A tradition among the Makah for thousands of years, the Makah leaders were wise enough to ensure that such a vital portion of their culture and way of life would be preserved for generations to come. They were wise enough to ensure that their right would be respected by honorable men and women of all nations.

This right was respected with the passage into the 20th century. But worldwide commercial exploitation of the whales convinced the Makah to end their hunt. Their great respect for the whale could not see them lost forever.

So the Makah waited.

Over seventy years later, their patience paid off. The whale population returned from endangered levels. It was time again to resume the whale hunt.

Once again, the Makah worked with the United States to ensure their rights would be respected and that the hunt would be carried out in the most humane way.

But the agreement that needed to be most respected was the age old one between the Makah and the whales. Would the Makah and the whales join together as they had done in the past?

One year ago on May 17, 1999, the world knew the answer. The Makah and the whales celebrated the first successful hunt. The mothers, fathers, grandfathers, grandmothers, and children of the Makah Nation renewed their connection to one of their most sacred and honored traditions.

Today, we remember the Makah whale hunt.

The Indianz.Com Editorial Staff

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