Cross posted at Boldt 40
From the High Country News:
“It was the Boldt Decision that was the lightning strike,” said Western historian and Native American law expert at the University of Colorado Boulder, Charles Wilkinson, who is now writing a book on the decision’s history and legacy. “It wasn’t just getting a fair share of the fish, but they had the right to act as sovereigns. These tribes really did not have working governments, certainly as far as the outside world was concerned. Afterward they set up courts, environmental codes and crack scientific operations – it gave them confidence.”
From the Olympian:
When passionate leaders speak about the issues that matter most to them, their words often transcend the moment. A speech by Billy Frank Jr. at an event celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Boldt Decision on treaty fishing rights, included a quote of that nature.
Frank said, “You’re the next generation to take the fight on for your culture and your way of life. You’re an Indian, and you gotta be proud — proud of who you are.
From From our Corner:
Wednesday marks the 40th anniversary of a landmark tribal fishing rights ruling by a federal judge that pleased Native Americans and shocked and angered non-Indian fishermen around the Northwest in a polarizing decision that unleashed both celebrations and protests.
Major court opinions rarely carry the name of the judge, but the case U.S. v. Washington is commonly known as the Boldt Decision, after George Hugo Boldt (right), a federal district judge who presided over the case.
