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Facts and Events about the Makah
hunt and killing of a California Gray Whale
The Makah Whaling Facts
Below are answers to questions we've often been asked. If you want further
information, please contact Dr. Deborah Brosnan
When did the Makah decide to start hunting?
The Makah Tribe began discussing hunting for economic and cultural renewal
around 10 years ago. But they did not start hunting, until they had secured
permission from the US Government. The Tribe also approached
the International Whaling Commission (IWC) (see below).
The first hunt was during the fall migration in 1998. No whales were killed
during this attempt.
If there is a marine mammal protection act, how is it that the Makah
can hunt and kill whales?
In the 1855 Treaty (the Stevenson Treaty) the Makah Tribe retained the right
to hunt whales. The Tribe does not see itself as bound by the Marine Mammal
Protection Statute but believes that its laws were developed under treaty.
How did the Makah get permission to whale?
The Makah originally approached the International Whaling Commission and
asked for permission to hunt and kill whales. Initially this was denied,
and whaling was opposed by the US Government. However, in 1996 the US Government
supported the Makah's petition to kill California Gray Whales, but the issue
never came to a full vote at the IWC. Instead in a "quota trade"
the Makah received 20 whales from a Russian aboriginal quota. (In turn the
Russians received permission to kill other species).
What were the main arguments used against the Makah's petition to
IWC to whale?
There were two main arguments. 1. The Makah had not hunted for over 70 years
and there was no unbroken tradition of hunting. Indeed there was no one
in the Tribe who had ever hunted or experienced the traditions of hunting.
2. The Makah could not demonstrate a subsistence need to whale.
Do the Makah hunt using traditional methods?
No. But there is some slight nod towards tradition. For instance, the whaling
team puts to sea in a traditional canoe, but the canoe is then towed around
the ocean by a power boat (known as a support boat) in search of a whale.
The initial strike on a whale is made by harpoon, as was traditional. But
once the animal is harpooned, a gunman on the support boat shoots armor-piercing
bullets from a 50 caliber anti-tank gun into the whale. Traditionally, only
the Chief's sons could harpoon a whale, but now any Tribal member with a
hunting permit can do so.
Can the Makah sell the whale meat?
No. Under the IWC convention there can be no commercial trade in whalemeat?
Everything killed must be consumed by the Tribe.
Did the Makah know this?
Not initially, as they had hoped to sell the whale meat to derive economic
benefit for the Tribe. However, the ban on commercial trade was made known
and is known among the Tribal members.
The Makah wanted to whale for cultural and economic reasons. This
is a reasonable goal. Did they have any other ways to meet these needs?
Yes. SEI worked closely with members of the Tribe to develop and implement
alternatives to whaling that would have provided the cultural, spiritual,
economic and ecological benefit once given by the whale. SEI spent considerable
time on the Reservation listening to concerns and ideas from the Tribe.
Other offers were made too, but SEI was allowed to remain to work with the
Tribe. Sadly, in the end they rejected the offer: The ideas and hopes of
some members of the Tribe were destroyed when the whale was butchered.
Are the Whales that the Makah take Washington whales?
No the whales that the Tribe kill are migrating whales, the same ones that
travel from Alaska to Baja California along the coast of Washington, Oregon,
and California.
Does this mean that the whales I stroke in Baja or watch off the shore
could be harpooned and shot?
Yes, and with 19 more scheduled to be killed in the next 4 years, it is
likely that they will have been caressed and admired by whale-watchers.
What's happening now?
The Makah hunted and killed a young female California Gray whale on May
17th 1999. They are scheduled to kill 19 more. The first kill was a Tribal
kill, but now individual families are applying for their own permits to
hunt and kill whales. The next hunts could take place any time during the
migrations.
If you are interested in getting involved in this project and want to assist volunteer opportunities are available, please contact us via the web or call Dr. Brosnan at SEI 503-246-5008
