Makah and the Treaty of Neah Bay 1855

Makah Research and Cultural Center Online Museum

The Makah have been whaling off the northwest coast of Washginton for around 2000 years. Specifically off the shores of Neah Bay.InsideOut Solutions / savvyinnkeeper.com

In the 19th century when white settlers had taken authority of the Washington Territory, the Makah agreed to the Treat of Neah Bay on January 31st, 1855. The treaty consisted of reducing the majority of the Makah's tribal and native lands in exchange for $30,000 and the rights to fish, hunt seal, and perform whaling. The treaty was signed by Issac Stevens, who at the time was governor and superintendent of Indian Affairs for Washington Territory. To this day, the Treaty of Neah Bay is the only one of its kind by permitting the exclusive right to hunt whale without restrictions (until recently minor limitations have been set by the International Whaling Commission and the Marine Mammal Protection Act).

Makah Cultural and Research Center- Makah.com

Whaling is considered a main component of the Makah culture and heritage. The Practice has been dated back around 2000 years ago after a dig at the town of Ozette pulled up reminents of whale bone used as tools. The whale was very important to the Makah becasue after a catch they would use the whale in its entirity and not waste any of the precious animal. The Whale oil also was very beneficial to the Makah.

Makah Cultural and Research Center - Makah.com

The Makah in the 1920's was not permitted to whale anymore due to the population depletion from over commercialized whaling. But in 1996 the Makah were allowed to resume their native culture of Whaling as the population of the Gray Whale had been restored. In 1999 the Treaty of Neah Bay had its importance revived as the Makah successfully hunted their first whale in over 70 years.

Content sources: Makah.com