Makah Influence On Native Americans

Food is not only for the stomach but also for the heart, mind and soul. It is what ties you back to your heritage and culture. That is very evident during the segment that talked about the Makah Indians. The culture and lifestyle of the Makah Indians is tied back to the sea. A big part of their culture was the hunting of the gray whales. The tribe hunted gray whales for thousands of years and they used every part of the whale as food, different items or trade if there was extra. Makah leaders signed a treaty with the government allowing them to be able to hunt for fish and whales if they gave up a part of their land. Unfortunately, European whale hunters hunted all the gray whales until they were almost extinct causing the gray whales to go on the Endangered Species list. …show more content…
70 years later the gray whale population rose enough to be taken of the list allowing the Makah people to be able to hunt again. Makah whale hunters conducted a traditional whale hunt. Sadly, there was backlash from different groups because they were killing an innocent animal. This captured my attention because the Makah’s culture and heritage was wrongfully taken from them. Although, I love whales it is not our right to tell them they aren’t allowed to celebrate their heritage. Makah only hunt a few whales, not enough to wipe out the entire species. Like the director, Janine said, “This country consumes so much beef and chicken and kill them inhumanely but there is no fuss about that”. Whale meat is not just about food or even culture but a connection to their