Perhaps this may seem like a fine point but the Tribes did not get their fishing/hunting rights because of their race. Race has nothing to do with the issue. The Tribes have these rights because of legally binding treaties they signed with the Federal government before Washington or Oregon or Idaho became States. Those treaties extinguished all Tribal claims to the lands that many of us call home. They agree to this only if they got in return, the continuing right to hunt and fish in their usual and accustomed places (along with education and health benefits in some cases).

The Federal government could make that same deal with anyone at anytime regardless of their race or ethnic origin. That includes middle aged white guys living in Vacouver, Washington (like me). Race is irrelvant.

Unfortunately, the issue of tribal fishing rights vs. State regulated fishing privledges gets clouded by race. It's an easy scape goat for both sides. Some sport anglers use it (witness some posts on this BB) and the Tribes blame the sport anglers complaints on "racist attitudes". Some sport anglers aren't always thinking clearly when they make such statements and the Tribes should seriously consider the issues posed by sport anglers without jumping to conclusions about racism.

I firmly believe the Tribes and the sport anglers should on the same side of many of the important issues regarding Pacific salmon conservation. The real enemies are hydropower, habitat loss, water diversions, overharvest in the ocean, and a range of other factors. It hurts to see two potential allies fighting when the fish and the fisheries are being lost on a daily basis. So next time anyone throws a dart at the Tribes over an issue, think about who is really being hurt. Too often it's the fish.

OK, enough preaching from me.......