As I am sure by now, most of you have heard or read, five members of the local Makah Indian Tribe took it upon themselves to kill a California gray whale this weekend in Neah Bay. They cite a treaty from 1855 as giving them the right to hunt whales for 'cultural purposes'. I find several things very interesting with this line of thinking.
Firstly, keep in mind that I grew up around and with Native Indians my whole life. I am very familiar with their culture and customs. A hundred years ago or more, whaling was a necessary part of the Indian culture. So was salmon fishing, hunting for Elk,Deer,Moose,Beaver etc. Drying of meat was part of their lifestyle as well. This was how they survived the long cold winters and their harsh way of life. Whales in particular were a key ingredient to their diet.
Having said all that, we need to realize that in this day and age, they no longer need to hunt such an ENDANGERED species. Grocery stores abound with various forms of protein (even for those who choose to be vegetarians!), fresh fruits and vegetables abound year round, and dairy and carbs are all readily available. If they truly feel the need to get back to their roots, the forests here in WA state also abound with species of animal life that are not even remotely endangered and that offer an alternative to the diet that isn't 'store bought' if they so choose.
Secondly, I find it very interesting that they choose only certain parts of this Treaty of 1855 that suit them. If the Makah Tribe wish to hunt whales based on their 'right' to do so as granted in this treaty, then I feel they should adhere to ALL of the articles of this treaty.
What would this mean for the Makah tribe? Well, Article 10 was a proviso in which the elders of the tribe at that time were attempting to control the consumption of alcohol by members of the tribe. The Elders realized that alcohol consumption was not well tolerated by the Natives metabolisms and caused unnecessary problems in the Village. Therefore, anyone consuming alcohol on band lands, or caught bringing it onto band lands was subject to having any government funds they were receiving taken away! Not a bad idea today! Those familiar with native culture know that alcohol and drugs are a pervasive problem, not simply because of their availability, but because of the basic Native genetic makeup. These things are NOT well tolerated, and have for centuries caused many problems within Native families. So what a great solution the Elders of 1855 had, you drink or bring alcohol onto the reservation and you loose any gov't funds you may be getting. I think this would be a GREAT motivator towards putting an end to the often rampant problem of alcohol abuse found on the band lands today. However, I don't see the Makah tribe enforcing this.
How about Article 9? It states that any Indian who breaks a law, either against another Indian or any non-Indian, shall be subject to the decisions of the United States Government. Now, in the above case of the illegal hunting of the whale this weekend, I distinctly recall the Coast Guard handing the five 'hunters' over to the Tribal police. Huh. THAT sure isn't under jurisdiction of the United States Government.
These are just two examples. Take a look at the 'Treaty Of Neah Bay, 1855' for yourself at www.goia.wa.gov/Treaties/Treaties/neahbay.htm. It makes for a great read. It also exposes a select group of people who want special accommodations made for them based on their 'history' or 'culture' but who do not want to follow through with the entire set of consequences. They pick and choose what suits them. It is this sort of waffling that just makes me shake my head. I have no respect for any group of people who so blatantly twist the law and look for loopholes that allow them to basically do what they want. Don't get me wrong, it isn't just the Makah tribe that does this. But today, for right now, this is just a glaring example of this sort of behaviour. And I find it absolutely inexcusable.
Ok, I'll get off my soapbox now. Lets all go and enjoy a whale free lunch! :)
Hugs
Jaye
