Comments on: Makah Whaling

By: joe green

joe green — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 01:55:56 +0000

let me ask you this whats the difference between killing a elk, deer, or. cow buffalo , fish , duck , rabbit, chicken, pig, or whale none people focus on the whales like it something sacred like the world will come to the end just because the makah kill a whale and they are not doing for show they are eating all and use the bones and if they can not whale like its in the treaty how about giveing back all the land that was taken from them

By: Andre from Sacto

Andre from Sacto — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 00:19:36 +0000

If the Makah were Japanese then most everyone here would be in opposition. However, simply because the whalers are native Americans peoples opinion about whaling changes. The Japanese and Norwegians went looking specifically for a ‘native’ whale hunter when they came across the Makah. Certain tribal council members (the Johnsons) were promised a cut. Presto! The Makah tribe returned to whaling! It was a brilliant move to outflank the enviros to which I give them credit. It quickly became a green vs. native match up in the press. This is tragic because reverse prejudice is just as ignorant as its twin. Where all the Makah behind whaling? No. Many Makah complained about the strong arm tactics used to promote the whalers. Some viewed it as only benefiting certain connected tribal members and actively aided the Sea Shepherds by providing intelligence. Take the skin color out of the equation and what is left is people acting like people.

I would have had a lot more sympathy for the Makah arguments if they were not being dragged around by power boat from whale to whale. The line would hauled in at the last moment, cameras were made ready, and a harpoon thrown. Then the 50 cal gunner would raise up and start firing into the whales head. Most would miss or strike a non-lethal blow to the whale and escape (or die out of sight). The power boat would come along side and tie up again and speed out to the next whale. Not traditional at all. As the SSCS was held at bay by the USCG they were a decidingly non-player in the hunt interference. I did witness many private citizens running their boats in between the whalers and the whales. They would immediately have their boats confiscated and they would be arrested. They did this knowing what the risks where but committed themselves to direct-action non violence intervention. They saved many whales. The whale that was killed was very young and may have thought that the whalers were a friendly tourist boat (the video of the kill supports this). After the kill a native American who was ashore videotaping came to the SSCS boat to donate his tape. It showed a disturbing lack of respect by the Makah to the whale. It shows the Inuit whaler brought to clean and dress the carcass wondering where his students were. They had no intention in learning anything other then killing the beast and that was it. It was the videographers own shock that brought him to the SSCS ship.

By: Peter

Peter — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 06:54:01 +0000

Hi, I’ve recently been interested in this issue, and its interesting to see the array of viewpoints in this argument. I hope you all have room for a little more.
I have done a good bit of research on this topic myself, am currently studying Native American history and am majoring in natural resource ecology. I am certainly not an expert, but I have been schooled on many subjects of both wildlife conservation and the histories of American Indians, so I would simply like to share what information I have acquired, as objectively as possible. Some good points have already been made, so some of this is just reinforcement.
Here is a PhD’s full report on Makah whaling: Take the time to at least pick out some of the main points here, and it should clear up some of the questions out there.
No, the Makah are not in any way selling any part of the whales (except in the case of crafts made from whale bone). As far as utilizing every part of the whale, traditionally every part was used- even the sinew was used to fashion the harpoons used to catch the whales.
Yes, whaling is a very deeply rooted cultural practice of the Makah. In fact, one could argue that their very existence is shaped around whaling. Starbird, I find it dissappointing that you claim the Makah do not respect the whales. Please, consider your ‘opponents’ perspective before you make such claims.
No, the quota of 20 whales over a 5 year period with up to 5 whales in any given year should have no noticeable impact on whale populations (a full report is given if you check out the website I gave above).
Like Aaron points out, check out the Makah’s own website, where you can find their views, un-regurgitated, as well as heaps of info on trad. and contemporary whaling practices, spiritual and cultural significance, etc.
Personally, it saddens me to see how our western society still has not been able to accept the views of the Native Americans, even after over 400 years of conflict, and at such an expense for these peoples. Are we no different than the Israelis and Palestinians? Well anyway I hope Ive left some food for thought.
cheers!

By: Person

Person — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 21:44:03 +0000

To answer your question, Arman, Its a cultural and legal right/belief. The makah aren’t using this to make money.

Though I believe the Makah should be allowed to whale “TheDude” brings up a good point about things being changed.

Finally, one thing we shouldn’t do is get violent. Its a freaking whale, not a reason to stalk and/or hurt/kill someone over. A debate is ok but taking physical action is a big “no no”. One of the big reasons I am with the Makah is because I don’t like the otherside, the SeaSheperds or who ever they are seem to be blowing this ordeal way out of proportion. Not something worth losing blood over.
If it wasn’t for the fact that I hate the opponets to the Makah and their tactics used against the Makah I might be against whaling.

For now I am convinced whaling is the way to go.

By: TheDude

TheDude — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 21:37:44 +0000

I support the Makah’s Right to whale. Just to point it out though, the treaty, just like laws, can be overuled to fit modern times and standards. However, honoring the treaty is good and I think it will be good to let the Makah Whale.

By: Arman

Arman — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 01:21:34 +0000

Hello Bryson, I am also a student from EAS working on a persuasive essay and I have a couple questions about some of the Makah Whaling Rights. I am part of the group that is against Whaling. I was wondering if you could forward to Starbird this letter and I would like to know about some of his opinions about whaling. Would you think that Whaling is more of a cultural beliefs situation, or just because they want to make some money off of whales?
Thank you for answering my questions if possible!

By: Sean

Sean — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 00:21:56 +0000

Hi, Bryson,

Thank you for sending this info, it really helps a lot.

I wanted to ask you about whether you can forward my questions to Starbird so he can Email me back on his opinion.

I will make sure that I will send you and him a copy of my Persuasive Essay on the Makah Whale Hunt.

If you find some more info that will be helpful too.

If you can answer back to this comment please Email me back at seanwee@verizon.net

By: Sean

Sean — Sat, 21 Feb 2009 00:52:47 +0000

Hi! I am a Student from EAS in seattle. I am working on a persuasive essay on the debate on the Makah Whale Hunt.
I needed to get some info about the debate and some opinions from both sides.
That would be really helpfull.
I also have some questions about the subject.
I was reading a book about the Makah Hunt and i am wondering if that the Makah hunt 4 whales per year would impact the grey whale population that bad?
And How about keeping their culture alive?

I have to admitt, I am with the group of people who want to allow the Makah to continue hunting whale.
If you can answer back to this comment please Email me back at [removed email address]

By: Tiegen

Tiegen — Sun, 15 Feb 2009 20:20:25 +0000

I was very much involved in the whaling debate in the late ’90s. I live near Seattle, WA – about 3 1/2 hours from Neah Bay. I am an outspoken supporter of the Makah and their treaty right to hunt the gray whale.
I am all too familiar with the emotional ‘whale hugger’ attitude and the attitude that I cannot love whales if I endorse the killing of a whale.
Well I do, and I do.
The Makah love the whale. The whale is part of their cultural and heritage. Anti-whaling types just cannot see or believe that.
One of the posts above says: “The Makah cannot be trusted anyway. If they lie as a tribe, then they cannot be trusted.”
How many times have I seen outragious statements like this against a nation of people – just because they killed a whale. Sheesh.
I think it is really sad that people buy anti-whaling propaganda and manifest such hatred as we have seen.
I have had my life threatened and have been stalked by the anti-whaling faction – merely because I actively support the Makah. One really good thing is that I have made many lifetime friends as a result of all this!!

By: John

John — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 23:38:13 +0000

I agree with Bryson, the Makah should be allowed to whale. Here in the Makah Treaty of 1855 – The Treaty of Neah Bay it states that it is their constitutional right to hunt whales. In article four of the treaty in clearly states:

“…The right of taking fish and of whaling or sealing at usual and accustomed grounds and stations is further secured to said [Makah] Indians in common with all citizens of the United States…”

You can see the whole treaty at: http://explorenorth.com/library/weekly/more/bl-MakahTreaty.htm

The specific part I am looking at is in Article 4 of the treaty.
They do have the right, the constitutional right, though it may not be moral it is legal.

I tend to agree with the general ecologist view. There are really 5 parts one could take in this argument:

There is the side of I don’t honestly care and I am completely uninvolved in this argument.

There is the side of I am undecided and impartial, I just study the facts.

There is the extremist Animal Rights group.

There is the Ecologist view.

And finally there is the Makah (pro-whaling) view.

In the view of the ecologist which is what I believe in, they simply deliever the facts: if the Makah hunted whales, only a few of them each year, it would not hurt the whale population or damage the environment.

Being semi-anthropologist I believe that protecting the Makah culture and revitalizing their beliefs is important. Studies show that from catching the whale they greatly improved the Makah society. So yes, in a way they may have a “cultural right” but thats not the right argument to fight. Fight with the law, use the treaty.

I can’t agree with Starbird because though they must evolve their culture, they can’t give it up. Further more, they have evolved their culture, they use modern day buildings and if you walked into one of their schools it would seem not that different from one of the many schools through out the US and Canada.

Whaling is part of their religion, it would be like telling a Christian to give up god because he is 2000 years old and that they need a new way of life and a new culture/religion. Some may argue that it is just such and old tradition that you can’t abolish it, well guess what….. the Makah tradition of hunting whales is 2000 years old too, if not older. Though they may not need to whale anymore, they do because of religion and tradition, just like how many don’t need to go to church, but they do go anyways.

So you see, it is only logical that the Makah can whale. They have the right, and the reason. And its not hurting another human being and its not causing extreme damage to the whale population. It was the comercial whalers that took out the population, not just the Makah. Over the 2000 years when the Makah hunted whale the whale population was fine. As long as they don’t take to many it isn’t going to be a problem.

Of course, this may just be my feelings: Who the hell cares? Its a frickin whale. It ain’t gonna wipe out the population. Seriously, 2 or 3 whales a year isn’t a problem.