Makah Tribe Whaling Controversy

A Native American tribe in the Olympic Peninsula, with a traditional whaling right.

A type of whale, and a member of the Pacific Coast Feeding Group often seen in the Pacific Northwest during summer.

The hunting of whales for food or other purposes.

A treaty that established the Makah's right to hunt whales.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, which plays a role in environmental protections and regulations.

A temporary permission granted to the Makah tribe to resume whaling, which came with certain conditions.

Organizations that advocate for the rights of animals and seek to protect them from harm.

The approximate length of the Makah's whaling tradition.

A Native American tribe located on the Olympic Peninsula, known for their long-standing whaling tradition.

The Makah Tribe's historical and culturally significant right to hunt whales, recognized by treaty.

Both the Makah and their opponents share a common goal: the well-being of whales and the ocean.

The negative consequences humans have on the natural world, often overlooked.

The inherent value and respect for all living things, regardless of species.

A population of gray whales in the eastern Pacific Ocean, now numbering around 26,000.

Permission granted to the Makah to hunt a limited number of gray whales annually for a decade.

A law protecting marine mammals, potentially challenged by the Makah's whaling request.

A subset of gray whales that stay in the Pacific Coast waters, feeding in the kelp beds.

Long journeys made by gray whales between feeding grounds and breeding lagoons.

An event in 2019 with unusually high gray whale mortality along the coast.

A species whose health reflects the overall health of the environment.

The ongoing warming of Earth's climate due to human activities.

Rights guaranteed by treaties, often related to hunting and harvesting resources like whales.

The significant role of whales in the Makah's culture and traditions.

Negative public reaction to the Makah's whaling plans, especially from those who advocate for whale protection.

A type of crustacean that is a food source for some gray whales.

The tendency of animals, in this case, gray whales, to return to the same locations.

The Makah's traditional hunting for whales, deeply connected to ceremonial and cultural practices.

A species that provides early warning of environmental changes because they are highly sensitive to changes in their environment.

The act of protecting and maintaining traditions, beliefs, languages, and practices of a specific culture.

Whaling is deeply intertwined with Makah culture and identity, being a vital part of their language, traditions, and spiritual beliefs, and also integral to their economy and food sources.

The relationship between gray whales and humans, particularly those who live in close proximity to whales.

The Makah tribe's traditional whaling practices, especially if resumed, could negatively impact the trust relationship between humans and whales, particularly for the PCFG because they are comfortable with humans.

Two or more ideas, beliefs, or practices that are closely connected and influence each other.

Knowledge passed down through generations within a culture, often based on long-term observations and experiences.

A document that assesses the potential environmental effects of a proposed action, such as resuming whaling.

A minimal or insignificant impact, often used in context of human activities on the environment.

A deep and enduring relationship between a group of people and their land, resources, and heritage.

A US law that requires federal agencies to consider the environmental impacts of their proposed actions.

A formal permission granted for something that would normally be prohibited.

The need for patience and understanding in the process of negotiating treaties, as it can take years to reach agreements.